A leading global airport boss has delivered a blunt message to the United Kingdom: expand aviation capacity and do it fast. According to Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, the UK urgently needs new runways if it wants to stay competitive in global aviation.
Speaking on the Independent travel podcast, he didn’t mince words: “For goodness’ sake, UK, just get on with it.” From his vantage point in Dubai, Griffiths oversees one of the world’s busiest international hubs, a position once held by Heathrow Airport until Dubai International Airport overtook it in 2014.
Since then, Dubai’s passenger numbers have surged roughly 35%, compared with about 15% growth at Heathrow. Both hubs compete fiercely for long-haul transfer travellers, particularly those flying between the US, India, and beyond.
Griffiths argues that the long-debated third runway at Heathrow is overdue, noting discussions date back to 1946.
As per him, limiting aviation expansion risks holding back economic growth, while increased airport capacity can offer a powerful boost to the national economy.
He’s calling not only for Heathrow expansion but broader capacity increases wherever demand exceeds supply including airports like Gatwick Airport.
The stakes are clear commercially too: the UK ranks as the third-largest overseas market for Dubai International, after India and Saudi Arabia. Reflecting that demand, Emirates has just added a fourth daily service between Dubai and London Gatwick, another sign that aviation links between the two regions continue to intensify. Bottom of Form
Aviation Capacity Debate across the United Kingdom
Before taking the helm in Dubai, aviation chief Paul Griffiths led London Gatwick Airport giving him firsthand experience of the pressures facing UK aviation. Now, he’s watching closely as the United Kingdom debates one of its most contentious infrastructure projects: the proposed £49bn expansion of Heathrow Airport.
Ministers have backed the ambitious plan, which includes a third runway and additional terminals designed to boost capacity dramatically, potentially allowing new carriers such as easyJet to establish operations at Britain’s busiest hub. If completed, Heathrow could eventually handle up to 150 million passengers annually, almost doubling its current throughput.
Yet the proposal remains deeply divisive. Environmental groups warn of increased aircraft noise, heavier road traffic in west London, and broader climate impacts from rising aviation emissions. Douglas Parr of Greenpeace UK argues the policy favours frequent flyers while local communities shoulder the environmental cost.
Griffiths counters that aviation is evolving quickly. He points to quieter next-generation aircraft and the growing push for sustainable aviation fuel as evidence the sector is working to become a more responsible partner to communities and the climate.
Even with political backing, timelines remain uncertain. The government says it aims to secure development consent during the current parliament, but Michael O’Leary of Ryanair believes a third runway may not materialise before 2040.
Meanwhile, growth continues elsewhere. Griffiths expects strong passenger numbers in Dubai through 2026 and says development is progressing at Dubai World Central, a vast future hub ultimately intended to supersede Dubai International Airport underlining how global aviation competition shows no signs of slowing.
