Heathrow Expansion Research Highlights New Domestic Route Opportunities
New research by Frontier Economics suggests that Heathrow expansion could create opportunities for five additional domestic air routes across the United Kingdom if a third runway is developed.
The study identified Belfast International Airport, Cornwall Airport Newquay, Leeds Bradford Airport, Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Teesside International Airport as the airports most likely to benefit from new or restored Heathrow connections.
The report states that additional airport capacity at Heathrow could strengthen links between regional UK destinations and international markets.
New Routes Could Support Tourism and Jobs
According to the research, the five proposed domestic routes could generate around £335 million in additional tourism spending if operated five days a week.
The study also noted that the expanded connectivity could support jobs across tourism, hospitality and related sectors.
Improved access to Heathrow’s international network could also help attract investment and support trade opportunities for regional economies across the UK.
Heathrow Currently Supports Domestic Connectivity
Heathrow Airport currently operates 13 domestic routes and handled almost five million domestic passengers in 2025.
The airport estimates that these routes supported approximately £1.2 billion in gross tourism spending across the UK.
Airport officials said domestic routes remain important for connecting regional communities to international destinations and supporting local economies.
Capacity Constraints Have Limited Domestic Routes
The report highlighted that Heathrow has been operating at full capacity for nearly two decades.
According to the findings, airlines have often prioritised long-haul international routes because of limited slot availability. As a result, some domestic connections were reduced or discontinued over time.
This has led some passengers to travel through overseas airports instead of using UK connections.
The research stated that additional runway capacity could give airlines more flexibility to introduce or restore regional services.
Heathrow Supports Policy Changes for Domestic Travel
Heathrow currently supports several measures designed to protect domestic air connectivity.
These include domestic passenger discounts and collaboration with the UK Government’s GREAT campaign to promote regional tourism destinations.
The airport is also supporting wider aviation policy reforms including updates to Public Service Obligation regulations, changes to slot allocation rules and the removal of domestic Air Passenger Duty.
Regional Airports Back Heathrow Expansion
Regional airports and businesses have expressed support for the UK Government’s backing of Heathrow expansion.
Industry stakeholders said the project could improve regional connectivity and increase access to global markets for businesses and travellers across the country.
The report also noted that improved domestic connectivity could support tourism growth in areas including Belfast’s cultural sector and destinations accessible through Teesside and Cornwall.
Nigel Milton, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, Heathrow, said: “Domestic connectivity has always been central to Heathrow’s role as the UK’s only hub airport. For many communities, these links are not a luxury, they are a lifeline, connecting people and businesses to opportunities across the UK and around the world. With additional capacity, we can strengthen these vital connections and ensure every part of the country can benefit from Heathrow’s global network.”
Karen Dee, Chief Executive, Airports UK, said: “This report demonstrates that connecting our regional economies through enhanced direct links between our airports will bring more jobs, wealth, and prosperity. Additional airport connectivity opens up a whole range of possibilities, from new markets to buy and sell goods and services and more attractive investment environments, to easier access for tourists and a better ability to keep friends and family connected. This important research illustrates the value of connecting all parts of the UK through our airports and we encourage the government to move quickly to deliver the benefits that new capacity will bring to the UK economy.”
Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock said: “Strong domestic connectivity is vital to growing tourism in the UK, and Heathrow and its connections to regional airports play a critical role in this. By making it easier for visitors to reach every corner of the country – from coastal destinations to historic cities and rural areas – our airports create jobs, serve communities and link local economies to international opportunities. This government has set an ambitious target of welcoming 50 million visitors a year by 2030, and we are developing a Visitor Economy Growth Strategy to provide a clear, long-term plan to unlock investment, support businesses and increase visitor flows across England.”
For more travel and tourism content, follow Safari India.
Leave a comment