Heathrow Airport has unveiled ambitious new plans to reduce security queue times and upgrade passenger facilities as part of a £10 billion investment over the next five years.
The UK's busiest airport has pledged that by 2031, 95 per cent of passengers will pass through security in under five minutes. The plans also include a major redesign of terminals to improve the overall experience for travellers, with an additional 70,000 square metres of space being created, according to The Times.
Terminals 3 and 5 are set to see an expansion in retail and dining options, while new technology is expected to improve baggage handling — with Heathrow promising that 99 per cent of bags will arrive on time. The airport claims this would mean 1.25 million fewer bags going missing.
The overhaul is aimed at modernising operations and positioning Heathrow as a leading global airport. But some airlines have warned that the cost of the upgrades could be passed on to consumers, potentially leading to higher ticket prices.
Heathrow is reportedly planning to increase the landing fees it charges airlines by 17 per cent — a move that carriers say will have a knock-on effect on flight costs for passengers.
Defending the proposals, Heathrow’s chief executive Thomas Woldbye said the investment was essential to compete with other major international airports.
“We're making good progress on our strategy to become an extraordinary airport — having become Europe’s most punctual major airport so far this year,” he said.
“But our customers want us to improve our international rankings further, as do we.
“To compete with global hubs, we must invest. Our five-year plan boosts operational resilience, delivers the better service passengers expect and unlocks the growth capacity airlines want, with stretching efficiency targets and a like-for-like lower airport charge than a decade ago.”
