Two of Scotland’s largest business organisations have backed long-standing proposals for a third runway at Heathrow, recognising the airport’s role in connecting Scottish enterprises with global markets, supporting exports, and attracting inbound investment.

The Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) says there is a “compelling case” for the project, as Scotland’s international goods exports reached £24.1 billion in the year to June 2025, including £5bn in drink exports alone.

The Glasgow Chamber of Commerce supports the SCC’s stance. Responding to a UK government consultation on the Heathrow expansion, the chamber said: “As the only global hub airport serving the UK, Heathrow underpins Glasgow’s ability to trade internationally.”

The statement continued: “For a trading city like Glasgow, this hub connection is not a convenience but the mechanism through which our exporters, investors and inbound visitors reach the rest of the world.

“Our members consistently tell us that competitive, one-stop access to long-haul and emerging markets – rather than connectivity that requires transiting through European or Gulf hubs – is what allows Scottish firms to compete internationally.

“Bellyhold freight capacity on long-haul passenger routes, which only a hub airport can provide at scale, is a distinct advantage for Glasgow’s manufacturing and life sciences exporters and cannot be replicated through point-to-point services from regional airports.

“We therefore support the case for expanding Heathrow’s hub capacity so that it can add new long-haul routes and frequencies, including to underserved and emerging markets, strengthening the connectivity on which Scotland’s international trade, investment and tourism depend. “

In discussions held by the UK Parliament’s Transport Committee, Scottish Salmon was highlighted as the largest export by weight passing through the airport. Kate Shoesmith, the British Chambers of Commerce’s director of policy and insights, said: “44% of it [Scottish Salmon] goes through Heathrow, and we know that premium food and drink is a growing market globally right now.”

Heathrow handles over 80% of Scotland’s salmon exports destined for non-EU markets. The high frequency of long-haul services allows fresh produce harvested in rural and island communities to reach global consumers within days, supporting over 10,000 jobs.

The SCC has urged the UK government to provide greater detail on how the economic benefits of the new 3.5km northwest runway – which faces a final parliamentary vote in 2029 – will actually reach the devolved nations. The chamber is calling for clearer proposals to improve cross-border rail connectivity and a more comprehensive economic assessment that captures the wider benefits of increased bilateral trade and inbound tourism.

A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said: “We are carefully considering the consultation responses and will be setting out next steps in due course.”