00:01In its latest passenger traffic update on Monday, Heathrow reported a 2.3% drop year-on-year
00:08in September to 7.2 million, driven by a 20.1% plunge in those from the Middle East due
00:16to
00:16the Iran war. UK passengers were also lower, down 4%, with a 1.2% full for those from the
00:23European Union. But Chief Executive Mr Waldby said on reporting the figures that demand continues
00:29to outstrip capacity, despite last month's drop in passenger numbers, and insisted the
00:35debate over its third runway have been settled in support of the expansion project. On Wednesday
00:42he is due to appear in front of the Transport Selects Committee as it scrutinises the Heathrow
00:47expansion plans. Thomas Waldby told the Financial Times newspaper that the airport's backers
00:53could reassess their £33bn plans if Andy Burnham does not give his commitment to the runway
01:00project. The hub's investors, including the Qatar Investment Authority, Saudi Arabia's
01:06Public Investment Fund and China Investment Corps, among others, reportedly must decide
01:11in the new year whether to submit a formal planning application for the runway. Despite the Labour
01:17government backing expansion of the airport before Mr Burnham took office, the Prime Minister
01:22has refused to confirm his support, saying it is subject to a consultation and then the planning
01:28process.
01:29.
01:29.
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