Heathrow Loses Its "Busiest in Europe" Crown
Heathrow has lost its long-held title as Europe’s busiest airport, overtaken by a continental rival, according to new figures. The London hub, constrained by its two runways, has been outpaced by airports able to expand. It comes as the government weighs a contentious expansion of the country’s airports.
Heathrow has for years pressed for a third runway to keep pace with rivals such as Paris and Amsterdam, arguing that its constraints cost Britain jobs, trade and connections. Losing the top spot will sharpen that case, even as expansion faces fierce opposition on environmental and noise grounds. The government has signalled openness to airport growth as part of its push for economic growth, having recently cleared a second runway at Gatwick. The debate pits connectivity and commerce against climate commitments. Watch whether the figures revive the push for a third runway at Heathrow.