Chancellor hails Heathrow expansion as key to boosting Scottish salmon exports.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has defended the expansion of Heathrow Airport, citing its role in supporting Scottish salmon exports, the UK’s largest food export and the airport’s single biggest export by volume.
In a speech backing the construction of a third runway, Reeves highlighted the economic benefits of increased freight capacity, arguing that the project could boost UK GDP by 0.43% by 2050, with 60% of the gains flowing to regions outside London and the south-east.
“A third runway could increase trade opportunities for products like Scotch whisky and Scottish salmon, already two of the biggest British exports out of Heathrow,” Reeves said.
Scottish Salmon: Heathrow’s Largest Export by Volume
Data from the past five years shows that 115,000 tonnes of Scottish salmon have been exported from Heathrow, making it the airport’s most-shipped product by volume. Over the same period, exports were valued at £970 million.
Scottish salmon is predominantly shipped in the hold of scheduled passenger flights, allowing exporters to reach key markets in the Middle East and Asia. Industry leaders argue that air freight remains the most efficient and carbon-conscious way to transport fresh seafood internationally.
Industry Support for Heathrow Expansion
The Chancellor’s comments were welcomed by Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, who said the announcement reinforced Heathrow’s importance to the industry.
“The Chancellor is absolutely right to highlight the role that Heathrow plays in supporting British business. Scottish salmon is the UK’s number one food export and is the airport’s single biggest export by volume.
“Scottish business has long pressed for a third runway at Heathrow, so we welcome this announcement and any measures that will support the sustainable economic growth of the Scottish and UK economy,” Scott said.
A Political and Economic Debate
The expansion of Heathrow has been a long-standing issue in UK politics, facing environmental opposition and legal challenges over the years. Proponents argue that increasing airport capacity is critical for trade and economic growth, particularly for high-value perishable goods like salmon that rely on fast, direct access to international markets.
With the government now framing the expansion as a way to support key UK exports, the debate over Heathrow’s future is likely to intensify as policymakers weigh economic priorities against environmental concerns.
