Heathrow airport's expansion has moved significantly closer as the Government launches a comprehensive review of how it will assess third runway proposals. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed her department's commitment to making a decision "within this Parliament" with flights potentially taking off from a new runway by 2035.
Alexander told the Commons that the Government has initiated a review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), which provides the crucial framework for airport growth decisions. She said: "Britain wants to fly, and this Government will act to meet public aspirations. Our review of the ANPS will ensure that, while we unlock long-term capacity for more flights at the nation's only hub airport, we will also meet our obligations to passengers, communities and the environment."
Framework and timeline
The reviewed draft ANPS is expected to be published for consultation by summer 2026. Alexander noted that previous Conservative government work to launch the ANPS in 2018 took five years to complete.
New environmental and climate obligations introduced since 2018 require an updated ANPS before any decision can be taken on expansion planning applications. The Government will seek formal advice from the Climate Change Committee to ensure amendments align with net-zero commitments.
Four key requirements
Alexander outlined four essential tests any runway scheme must satisfy: contributing to economic growth, meeting air quality obligations, avoiding noise restriction breaches, and aligning with climate change policy. She emphasised that the motorways serving Heathrow, the M4 and M25, must not become "Europe's largest car park" during construction.
Two competing third runway proposals remain under active consideration from the airport's owners and the Arora Group. The owners propose a full-length 3,500-metre runway, while Arora seeks permission for a 2,800-metre runway.
November decision deadline
Both groups have been asked to provide additional details about impacts on investors, affected communities, and businesses. The Government will announce its chosen scheme by the end of November to inform the remainder of the ANPS review process.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves expressed strong backing for the project, saying: "After decades of false starts, we are backing the builders to get Heathrow's third runway built, creating thousands of jobs, boosting growth across the UK, and making Britain the world's best connected place to do business. This Government is getting Britain building to kickstart growth and deliver an economy that works for, and rewards, working people."
Industry response
Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye welcomed the Government's continued support. He said: "We'll provide the extra evidence the Government has asked for to demonstrate our plan is the only one that ticks every box: it's shovel-ready, fully aligned with the ANPS, widely supported and delivers the biggest benefits with the least local impact. It's also the only option that can be approved by 2029 and be up and running within a decade."
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
