The UK government has confirmed that Heathrow Airport Limited鈥檚 (HAL) 拢49bn ($64.39bn) expansion plans will serve as the basis for moving forward with a third runway at the airport.
HAL outlined the scheme earlier in the year. These plans comprise 拢21bn for a new runway and airfield infrastructure, 拢12bn for constructing new terminal and stand capacity, and 拢15bn for upgrading existing airport facilities.
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The announcement was made by the UK’s transport secretary Heidi Alexander following an assessment of submissions from remaining promoters.
Alexander said: 鈥淗eathrow is our only hub airport which supports trade, tourism and hundreds of thousands of jobs, underpinning prosperity not only in the South East [England] but across the UK.
鈥淭oday is another important step to enable a third runway and build on these benefits, setting the direction for the remainder of our work to get the policy framework in place for airport expansion. This will allow a decision on a third runway plan this parliament which meets our key tests including on the environment and economic growth.鈥�
With this decision, alternative proposals from The Arora Group/Heathrow West Limited (HWL) for the site will not proceed.
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By GlobalDataThe assessment has helped identify HAL’s plan as the most viable for enabling a planning decision by 2029 and for introducing a new runway in operation by 2035, said the minister.
In a written statement to the UK parliament, Alexander said: 鈥淔ollowing a comparative assessment of the remaining proposals for Heathrow expansion, the government鈥檚 view is that the north-west runway scheme brought forward by Heathrow Airport Limited offers the most credible and deliverable option, principally due to the relative maturity of its proposal, the comparative level of confidence in the feasibility and resilience of its surface access plans and the stronger comfort it provides in relation to the efficient, resilient and sustainable operations of the airport over the long-term.鈥�
The government views the HAL project as more advanced in its planning for road infrastructure compared to other options.
It also stated that the “selection of the scheme to inform the remainder of the review does not represent a final decision on a third runway scheme or design”.
In her statement, the minister noted that HAL鈥檚 project needs a larger land area but would involve acquiring fewer residential properties near the airport than the HWL project.
HAL has proposed a runway length of up to 3.5km, which offers more operational flexibility and is better suited to accommodate future aircraft models compared to the 2.8km runway length put forward by HWL, she said.
The minister mentioned that the project will contribute to the current review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS).
The ANPS sets out the government鈥檚 policy framework for increasing airport capacity in South East England.
More than 1.1 million take-offs and landings occur each year in London airspace, with Heathrow recording 23.4 million passengers travelled this summer.
The move follows recent approvals for Luton and Gatwick airport expansions.
The independent Climate Change Committee will advise on ensuring expansion plans adhere to net-zero goals.
Alongside expansion proposals, consultations have begun on simplifying air navigation guidance, with aims to reduce emissions and clarify priorities relating to future changes in UK airspace.
Association for Consultancy and Engineering Group public affairs director Ben Brittain said: “The government鈥檚 decision to advance Heathrow鈥檚 third runway proposal is the right one, providing long-needed clarity and momentum.
“A project of this scale will rely on disciplined design, engineering excellence and timely delivery, ensuring that the expansion strengthens the UK鈥檚 competitiveness while meeting environmental obligations.
“With a clear path now set, this is a significant opportunity to deliver infrastructure that supports growth, enhances connectivity and underpins the country鈥檚 long-term economic ambitions.”
