‘We’re falling behind’: Heathrow expansion sparks backlash as readers slam UK’s outdated travel infrastructure

Plans to expand Heathrow with a £21bn third runway have reignited a fierce debate among Independent readers, many of whom have questioned whether the UK’s travel infrastructure is fit for purpose – or heading in the wrong direction.

A recent poll found 57 per cent of readers oppose Heathrow’s third runway, with 39 per cent in favour and 4 per cent unsure.

Supporters of the project remain convinced it will create jobs and stimulate economic growth. But critics argue the £21bn plan worsens regional inequality and neglects wider infrastructure needs, with several calling for a second runway at Gatwick instead.

Others raised environmental concerns, noting the impact on emissions, noise and local communities already struggling with air traffic pollution.

Several commenters questioned the wisdom of funnelling so much air traffic through a single airport, especially after the recent outage at Heathrow, which many saw as proof of overstretched systems.

And when we asked for your views on the UK’s travel infrastructure more generally, many readers drew comparisons with better-funded transport systems in Europe, lamenting ageing roads, poor rail connectivity and high train fares.

Some said the country’s failure to invest in long-term infrastructure was “saddening” and emblematic of wider decline.

Here’s what you had to say:

Unequal UK

No doubt the expansion of Heathrow will grow the economy a bit and provide more jobs, although 100,000 extra jobs seems a tad optimistic. But once again, it will be economic growth and jobs for the South East, making the UK even more unequal. The North (or Wales, or South West) could use said investment of £49bn a lot more. And that would also grow the economy and deliver more jobs, but in places where it is most needed.

Bink

Public transport is rubbish

I get excited when I go abroad or to a British city that has a range of public transport options. I live in north-west Derbyshire where the public transport is rubbish — the traffic is terrible as a result. Wherever we need to go by train, we have to take a 40-minute journey to Manchester and go from there — even if we want to go east — we have to go west for 40 minutes first. I would love to have a reliable public transport system, but cars are king in this country — or at least outside the big cities. Even…