Government launches review to fast-track third runway at Heathrow Airport

London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is closer to expansion and third runway with the launch of a review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) by the Transport Secretary. The review provides the framework within which any future expansion will be considered and aims to accelerate the process, making it three years faster than the production of the previous policy statement in 2018.

The government confirmed the reviewed draft ANPS will be published for consultation by summer 2026. The move forms part of a broader commitment to back Britain’s builders and get major infrastructure projects off the ground while ensuring a robust review process. Previous work to launch the ANPS took five years, but new environmental and climate obligations since 2018 mean an updated ANPS is necessary to allow a decision on expansion planning applications.

The review will examine four key tests that any proposed scheme must meet, including climate change, noise, air quality, and contributions to economic growth across the country. The aim is to ensure planning applications to build a third runway progress fast enough for a final planning decision to be made within this Parliament. The government will seek formal advice from the Climate Change Committee on any amendments proposed to ensure consistency with net zero commitments.

The Transport Secretary said, “When we say this government is one that backs the builders, not blockers we mean it. Today is a critical building block which will advance plans for the delivery of a third runway at Heathrow, meaning people can start to experience the full benefits sooner. As our only hub airport, Heathrow is critical to the UK’s economy, connecting millions of people every year and exporting British businesses across the globe. Enabling Heathrow expansion will drive economic growth and create jobs across the country, delivering on our Plan for Change.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves added, “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.”

The government has emphasised that Heathrow expansion must be financed entirely by the private sector, bringing no cost to taxpayers, while also meeting rigorous cost controls to deliver the project quickly. Funding will come from promoters submitting formal expansion schemes, including any costs related to transport improvements to and from the airport.

Heathrow expansion is being considered alongside wider reforms to the UK planning system, including the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which aims to streamline delivery of major infrastructure projects through faster consenting routes and more balanced consultations. Work is also ongoing with the judiciary to reduce the time it takes for reviews to move through the court system for nationally significant infrastructure projects and national policy statements.

Two schemes remain under active consideration following an invitation for potential promoters to submit proposals earlier this year. Heathrow Airport Limited and the Arora Group now need to provide further details on their plans to clarify associated impacts for investors, affected communities, and businesses. After reviewing this information, the government will announce the single scheme being taken forward by the end of November. Any updates deemed necessary to the ANPS will then be consulted on next summer, allowing communities and stakeholders to provide feedback.

The review follows the approval of expansion at Luton Airport earlier this year and Gatwick Airport last month. These projects are part of the government’s efforts to back aviation projects that will grow the economy, provide highly skilled jobs, and deliver on the Plan for Change.

Karen Dee, Chief Executive of Airports UK, said, “Delivering critical national infrastructure, including airport capacity, is vital if the UK is to increase economic growth. Setting a clear policy framework and providing a predictable, cost-effective and timely approvals process will help bring forward investment, create more connectivity, and drive productivity. We look forward to working with Ministers to deliver these elements to ensure the UK can remain a world leader in aviation.”

Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, added, “We welcome the strong recognition from government of aviation’s unique role enabling economic growth and activity in all parts of the UK. Airlines support airport expansion, but any scheme at Heathrow must be affordable, deliverable and aligned with the industry’s net zero commitments, principally through the scale-up of advanced SAF and a modernised UK airspace. We want a growing aviation sector and hub airport to deliver for passengers and businesses everywhere, but not at any cost, and we look forward to working with Ministers to deliver on these objectives.”

Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said, “This is great news. After many years in the planning, fast-tracking the process to support a decision on Heathrow’s expansion will be welcomed by businesses across the UK. A third runway at Heathrow is vital to accelerating economic growth as the UK’s hub airport and largest air cargo port. Its development will be a huge boost to British business. Construction projects on this scale are crucial to the future development of supply chains across the UK. Around 60% of the economic benefit from Heathrow expansion will be felt by communities outside London and the South-East. Chambers believe a third runway at Heathrow, with facilities fit for the 21st Century, will boost trade, attract international investment, improve connectivity, and deliver wide-ranging benefits for the economy.”

The government has also outlined plans to support greener aviation. The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill will encourage the production of green aviation fuel in the UK by providing economic security for domestic producers, helping the country meet its climate targets. Investments of £63 million have been made to fast-track the construction of UK SAF production plants, supporting the move towards net zero aviation by 2050.

A new UK Airspace Design Service will be established to modernise the UK’s airspace. This, alongside airspace slot reforms, aims to ensure that future allocations maximise benefits for passengers, local communities, and businesses at expanded London airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton.

The government is clear that the third runway at Heathrow is essential to the UK economy. Expansion is expected to deliver highly skilled jobs, boost trade, improve connectivity, and attract international investment. By designating the project as critical national priority infrastructure, enhanced security and resilience requirements will also be applied, reflecting the strategic importance of Heathrow as the country’s hub airport.

The Transport Secretary stressed that the ANPS review and accelerated planning process will ensure a decision on the third runway can be made by the end of this Parliament. This is part of a wider drive to support Britain’s infrastructure development, reduce delays in planning and legal processes, and ensure that critical projects such as Heathrow’s third runway proceed efficiently while meeting environmental and community obligations.

Heathrow Airport’s expansion represents a significant step for the UK’s aviation sector, underpinning economic growth, supporting international investment, and securing the country’s position as a leading global aviation hub. By combining private sector funding, environmental safeguards, and modernised airspace planning, the government aims to deliver a project that benefits passengers, businesses, and communities across the country while maintaining alignment with net zero targets.

This third runway, alongside other expansion projects at Gatwick and Luton, forms part of the government’s broader Plan for Change, focused on accelerating economic growth, creating jobs, and enhancing the UK’s global connectivity. With careful planning, stakeholder engagement, and investment in sustainable technologies, Heathrow Airport is set to remain a central pillar of the UK’s aviation strategy for decades to come.

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