Heathrow Airport expects its proposed third runway to support at least 50,000 jobs in communities around the UK hub by 2055. The projection includes about 33,000 jobs across nine neighbouring local-authority areas and at least 17,500 positions during peak construction, covering the airport expansion programme and associated economic activity rather than a single pool of permanent airport roles.
The forecast forms part of a new Economic Development Framework covering Hillingdon, Hounslow, Ealing, Spelthorne, Slough, Runnymede, Windsor and Maidenhead, Buckinghamshire and Elmbridge. Construction opportunities are expected in engineering, digital services, logistics, airport operations, electrical installation, carpentry, joinery and other skilled trades.
Heathrow also plans to provide 5,000 youth apprenticeships, traineeships and other employment pathways. A refreshed work-experience programme for local students and an annual careers event are scheduled to begin from March 2027.
The employment figures are projections dependent on the expansion proceeding. The third runway has not yet received planning or regulatory approval. The Department for Transport is considering the next steps following consultation on the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement, which would establish the planning framework but would not itself grant permission to build.
Heathrow has indicated that the runway could enter service around 2039, later than its previous 2035 target, because of planning and regulatory requirements.