Heathrow third runway plans to be fast-tracked for expansion's full benefits sooner'

"Heathrow's third runway plans will be fast-tracked so Britain can experience the benefits sooner, ministers said as they launched a key part of the government process required for the airport's expansion. The transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, said work had now started on a new airports national policy statement (ANPS), allowing a final decision by the end of this parliament to realise the government's ambition of a runway by 2035."

"The updated policy statement will include Labour's four key tests for proposed airport expansion on climate, noise, air quality and economic growth and be consistent with net zero commitments, the Department for Transport (DfT) said. Heathrow and the Arora Group, which submitted an alternative runway proposal, have been asked to provide additional details before a single scheme is selected in November."

"Heathrow's privately financed third runway and associated airport improvements are expected to cost almost 50bn. The DfT said the scheme should have no cost to the taxpayer, and added that sustainable aviation fuel the benefits and supply of which remain in doubt would be essential to ensure a bigger Heathrow contributes to the UK meeting its climate targets. Enabling Heathrow expansion will drive economic growth and create jobs across the country."

Work has started on a new airports national policy statement (ANPS) to enable a final decision by the end of this parliament and support a runway by 2035. The updated ANPS will include four tests on climate, noise, air quality and economic growth and will align with net zero commitments. Publication for consultation is scheduled by summer 2026. Heathrow and the Arora Group must supply additional scheme details before a single option is selected in November. The privately financed project and associated improvements are expected to cost almost 50bn and are intended to carry no taxpayer cost. Sustainable aviation fuel is identified as essential despite unresolved supply and benefit questions, and the plan is presented as approvable by 2029 and operational within a decade.

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