London airports are pursuing significant expansion plans, with proposals for new runways at Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton. Stansted Airport has a £1.1bn plan for a terminal extension, aiming to boost passenger capacity to 51 million by 2041. London City Airport also intends to increase its annual capacity from 6.5 million to 9 million by 2031 by offering more weekend flights and handling larger aircraft.
These expansion projects are seen by some as vital for economic growth, creating construction jobs, and attracting overseas visitors to the UK. Alex Challoner states that extra runways are key to getting overseas visitors into the UK to spend money. Aviation was estimated to be worth £14bn to the UK economy in 2023.
However, airport expansion faces opposition from various groups, including some politicians. London Labour MPs have reportedly lobbied Prime Minister Andy Burnham to cancel Heathrow expansion. Parliament’s Environmental Audit Committee has warned that such expansion could jeopardise the UK’s net zero ambitions. The Mayor of London's latest London Plan also reiterates opposition to expansion.