Heathrow’s third runway plans to be fast-tracked so expansion ‘takes full advantage sooner’ | Heathrow Third Runway

Plans for Heathrow’s third runway will be fast-tracked so Britain can “feel the benefits sooner”, ministers said as they launched a key part of the government’s process required for the airport’s expansion.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said work had now started on a new National Airports Policy Statement (ANPS), enabling a final decision by the end of this parliament to “realize the Government’s ambition” of an airstrip by 2035.

She said new environmental and climate obligations meant an updated ANPS was needed, but promised it would be published for consultation by summer 2026.

The updated policy statement will include Labour’s four key tests for the proposed airport expansion – on climate, noise, air quality and economic growth – and will be in line with net zero emissions commitments, the Department for Transport (DfT) said.

Heathrow and the Arora Group, which submitted an alternative runway proposal, have been asked to provide further details before a single project is selected in November.

Alexander said: “Today is a vital part of taking forward plans to deliver a third runway at Heathrow, meaning people can start enjoying the full benefits sooner. Enabling the expansion of Heathrow will boost economic growth and create jobs across the country.”

The announcement follows recent decisions to allow two other London airports, Luton and Gatwick, to expand significantly.

Heathrow’s third, privately funded runway and associated improvements to the airport are expected to cost almost £50 billion. The DfT said the project was expected to have no cost to the taxpayer, and added that sustainable aviation fuel – the benefits and supply of which remain uncertain – would be key to ensuring a larger Heathrow “helps the UK achieve its climate targets”.

Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye said his plan was “the only option that can be approved by 2029 and be operational within a decade”, and urged the government to act quickly “so we can move from discussions to construction and start investing billions of private money in our supply chain across the UK”.

Aviation and trade groups welcomed the news. The British Chambers of Commerce said the third track would “boost trade, attract international investment, improve connectivity and bring many benefits to the economy”.

But Ruth Cadbury, chair of the House of Commons transport committee, said the government had yet to explain how Heathrow’s expansion fit in with legally binding climate targets, adding: “It’s like trying to slow the car down by stepping on the accelerator, and that’s a cause for serious concern.”

Paul McGuinness, chairman of the No 3rd Runway Coalition, said the proposed expansion was “stubbornly flawed, with the government still unable to demonstrate an economic case or capacity requirement for a third runway”.

Greens transport spokeswoman Siân Berry said the government was “once again placing the needs of wealthier frequent travelers far above the needs of people on the ground”.