Latest polling shows that in eight of nine neighbouring boroughs, more people support Heathrow expansion than oppose it
Results also show more than 90% of supporters singled out the economic benefits, while two thirds of locals say it’s positive having Heathrow as a neighbour
Heartwarming images show children of today’s airport workforce gearing up for their chance to follow in their parents’ footsteps at an expanded Heathrow
New polling shows support for expanding Heathrow outweighs opposition in eight of the airport’s nine neighbouring boroughs (and in the ninth, support and opposition are level), while two thirds say it’s positive living near Heathrow.
Local backing for a third runway remains strong as more than 90% of supportive neighbours highlight the economic benefits a third runway would bring to their area.
It comes as Heathrow colleagues say ‘yes’ to more opportunities for their families to benefit from living next to an expanded Heathrow.
From firefighters and security officers to engineers and airside safety, today’s workers want to see their own children have the same opportunity to begin a rewarding lifelong career.
They include Saira Samiy and Aqeel Ahmed, from Hayes, who both work in airport security and want to see similar opportunities for their children Laiba, 12 and Zuraib, 8.
They said: “Living so close and having their mum and dad work at the airport, Heathrow is a big part of our family’s life. It’s a busy and exciting place, and having an even bigger airport next door with more jobs to choose from would be great for our children.”
And Aidan O’Connell, Airside Operations Officer, from Bracknell, who gave his daughter Connie, 5, a chance to see what he does at work.
He said: “Aviation really is unique and working out on the airfield at one of the world’s busiest airports is a special thing. So many doors get opened when you land a career at Heathrow, I’d love my daughter to have the same opportunities when she grows up.”
Heathrow’s Chief People Officer, Jo Butler said: “Living near Heathrow is a first-class ticket to a lifelong career. We hear time and again that it’s what our neighbours value most and we are committed to making sure as many people as possible get those benefits.
“Expanding Heathrow means giving the next generation even more opportunities to learn and work here and play their part in keeping the UK connected to the world.”
More than 80,000 people work at Heathrow, making it the UK’s largest single site of employment. Around 10% are directly employed by Heathrow, while the rest work for hundreds of different companies, ranging from airlines, handlers, retailers and specialist suppliers across a huge range of sectors.
Heathrow commits to the London Living Wage pledge, guaranteeing a fair income for everyone in its direct supply chain. There is a dedicated hub to make sure those who live closest to the airport can make the most of these opportunities.
The Heathrow Employment and Skills Academy has spent 20 years connecting local students and jobseekers with the chance to learn and work at the UK’s gateway to growth.
Heathrow has also pledged to have 500 local apprentices through its shared apprenticeship scheme by 2030 as part of its promise to help neighbours tap into the world of work on their doorstep.
From school outreach and work experience through to free CV advice and interview workshops, the Academy is a one-stop shop for the airport’s neighbours to see their career take off.
Notes to editors
Polling research conducted by YouGov. Total sample size was 3292 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 11th - 29th July 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all adults (aged 18+) in the specified Local Authorities surrounding Heathrow: Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Buckinghamshire, Ealing, Elmbridge, Runnymede, Spelthorne, and Other parts of Surrey County (Epsom and Ewell, Guildford, Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead, Surrey Heath, Tandridge, Waverley, Woking).
Click here for full results: Heathrow_-_Local_Communities_-_Jul25.pdf
