Heathrow Expansion Could Add Five New UK Domestic Routes

A third runway at Heathrow Airport could open the door to five new domestic routes connecting the UK's hub airport to regional destinations currently without direct links, according to new research by Frontier Economics.

The study identifies Belfast International, Cornwall Airport Newquay, Leeds Bradford Airport, Liverpool John Lennon, and Teesside International Airport as the strongest candidates for new Heathrow connections, based on evidence of underlying passenger demand. If operated five days a week, the five routes could generate around £335 million in additional gross tourism spending and support thousands of jobs across the UK's hospitality and tourism sector.

Heathrow currently serves 13 domestic routes, which carried nearly five million passengers in 2025 and supported an estimated £1.2 billion in gross tourism spending. However, the airport has operated at full capacity for two decades, with airlines frequently prioritizing long-haul slots over domestic services, resulting in the loss of several regional connections over the years.

"For many communities, these links are not a luxury, they are a lifeline," said Nigel Milton, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer at Heathrow. "With additional capacity, we can strengthen these vital connections and ensure every part of the country can benefit from Heathrow's global network."

Regional airports and business groups are calling on the government to accelerate the expansion project. Heathrow has also outlined a series of policy reforms it is advocating for, including amending slot allocation rules to prioritize domestic connectivity and abolishing domestic Air Passenger Duty.

Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock backed the findings, linking strong domestic air connectivity to the government's target of welcoming 50 million visitors annually by 2030.