Airport Expansion Drives Air Freight Growth, Says Logistics UK

(UNITED KINGDOM) Logistics UK says airport expansion is a chance to grow air freight and support the wider economy, as ministers reopen long-term aviation planning. On October 24, 2025, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced a review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), a move the group welcomes because it could make it easier to expand airports where there is a clear business case.

With air cargo moving 2.6 million tonnes each year and making up 40% of UK imports and exports by value, the trade body argues that more capacity at key hubs would help British firms reach overseas markets faster and more reliably.

Why the ANPS Review Matters

The government’s ANPS review signals a fresh look at how and where to add runway and terminal capacity. Logistics UK links this directly to the need for better cargo infrastructure at major airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton.

• The group says airport expansion tied to stronger freight facilities could:
  • Support jobs across supply chains
  • Help exporters ship high‑value goods
  • Reduce delays that ripple through production lines and retail shelves

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, air freight often carries time‑sensitive items—like medicines and electronics—so tight capacity and delays can have wider economic impacts.

Policy Review and Economic Stakes

Logistics UK has long pushed for planning reform to speed up projects that come with clear economic gains. The ANPS review offers a forum to set that direction.

The trade body highlights specific infrastructure needs:
– More freight stands
– Upgraded cargo sheds
– Faster airside access for trucks
– Improved ground links (rail and road) to move cargo on and off airport sites with fewer queues

The economic stakes are substantial. Air freight supports a wide share of UK trade by value because high‑worth and urgent goods often fly rather than go by sea. Logistics UK notes that with the right mix of investment and policy support, productivity gains could reach £7.9 billion a year by 2030.

Airports act as trade gateways that keep British firms competitive in tight global markets. The ANPS review is a chance to align planning with national economic goals.

Capacity, Sustainability, and Next Steps

Industry argues the case for more capacity, but expansion must address local and national concerns.

• Logistics UK acknowledges expansion needs to work within environmental rules and community needs.
• The sector is moving toward cleaner and quieter operations via:
  • Airspace changes
  • New aircraft design
  • Use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)

Policy and regulatory support are critical. Logistics UK calls for:
– Rules that back investment and allow airports to build where benefits are proven
– Measures encouraging modern cargo facilities and smarter operations
– Targeted incentives to help airports and private partners deliver projects that speed up freight flows and cut delays

Practical Measures for Freight-Focused Expansion

Logistics UK stresses that expansion should include practical steps to improve day‑to‑day freight handling:

• More wide‑body stands
• Faster screening and breakdown areas
• Better digital tracking from ramp to truck
• More resilient power and refrigeration for sensitive goods

These measures aim to reduce the chance that flights depart with unused space due to ramp or warehouse constraints.

Challenges and Community Concerns

Significant challenges remain and must be addressed in planning:

• Environmental groups will press for strong noise and air quality controls
• Communities near flight paths will expect real limits on night operations and traffic
• Post‑Brexit trade frictions continue to add paperwork and cost to cross‑border goods

Logistics UK says these issues can be managed but must not be ignored. Early involvement of the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority in design phases could help set clear standards and timelines.

Official information on the ANPS is available at the Department for Transport ANPS collection.

Network-Wide View and Airport Roles

The government review will weigh options across the network, not just at Heathrow.

• Gatwick: single‑runway model — targeted projects could unlock more freight flow
• Luton: growing point‑to‑point hub — potential for more cargo-focused improvements

Logistics UK’s message: make freight a core design issue. Warehouse layout, landside access, and digital systems should be planned with the same care as passenger terminals.

Benefits for Businesses and Workers

For businesses, better cargo capacity can be the difference between winning and losing contracts.

• Example use cases:
  • A UK medical device maker shipping to Asia needs predictable slots and quick ground handling to retain buyers
  • A fashion brand launching globally cannot absorb delays caused by peak‑time congestion

For workers and local communities, well‑planned expansion can:
– Create new roles in cargo handling, warehousing, and airport services
– Bring improved public transport links and road upgrades around airport zones

But residents will demand clear commitments on noise, traffic, and air quality. Logistics UK recommends transparency, phased build‑out, and firm operating rules to win trust and keep projects on schedule.

Airspace Modernization and Cleaner Aviation

Airspace modernization is another lever to increase capacity while limiting environmental impacts:

• Redesigned flight paths and updated navigation tools can:
  • Shorten routes
  • Reduce holding stacks
  • Cut fuel burn and emissions

Logistics UK advocates pairing physical expansion with smarter skies and sees SAF as a near‑term bridge while newer, cleaner aircraft enter service.

The Decision Window

The next several months are important as ministers collect evidence and set priorities within the ANPS review.

• Industry groups will submit data on trade flows, peak‑time delays, and the cost of missed connections
• Airports will propose designs tying extra stands and warehouse space to measurable throughput gains
• Communities will press for strong mitigations

Logistics UK is urging government to give weight to the national trade role of air freight and to move quickly where benefits are clear.

For further statements, briefings, and contact details from the trade body, see logistics.org.uk.