A third runway at Heathrow is another step closer to take off by 2035, as the transport secretary today confirmed Heathrow Airport Limited’s (HAL’s) proposal will be used as the scheme to progress the project. 

HAL announced £49bn expansion plans for the airport in the summer including £21bn for the new runway and airfield infrastructure, £12bn for new terminal and stand capacity and £15bn for modernising the current airport.

Today’s decision means rival plans for the site by The Arora Group will miss out.

Transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “Heathrow is our only hub airport which supports trade, tourism and hundreds of thousands of jobs, underpinning prosperity not only in the South-east but across the UK. 

“Today 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.”

The proposal will shape the review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), which is the framework within which the planning decision on expansion at the airport will be made and any amendments to the ANPS will be subject to consultation next summer.

After requesting further information last month from the remaining two promoters, the government has assessed that HAL’s proposal offers the most deliverable option and provides the greatest likelihood of meeting the government’s ambition for a decision on a development consent application within this parliament. 

Any amendments to the ANPS will be consulted on next summer after the transport secretary committed to completing the process three years faster than production of the policy statement in 2018. This will provide an important opportunity for businesses, communities and the wider aviation sector to have their say.

Selection of the scheme to inform the remainder of the review does not represent a final decision on a third runway scheme or design, and any amendments to the ANPS will be subject to consultation and parliamentary scrutiny next year. Exact details such as the length of the third runway, layout, and associated infrastructure implications will continue to be considered throughout the remainder of the ANPS review.

The independent Climate Change Committee will be consulted on as part of the review to ensure expansion is consistent with the net zero framework. The transport secretary has written to the committee requesting advice including on the role of aviation in achieving the UK’s carbon budgets and inviting feedback on proposed updates to the ANPS to ensure alignment with climate commitments.

The government expects that an application for development consent for a Northwest Runway at Heathrow Airport will be brought forward by HAL after the review of the Airports National Policy Statement.

Ben Brittain, director of public affairs at ACE Group, said: "The government’s decision to advance Heathrow’s 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’s 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’s long-term economic ambitions."

Jonathan Willcock, managing director, transportation at Costain - which is currently working to deliver asset renewals and construction projects at Heathrow Airport - welcomed the news, adding: “Today’s announcement provides welcome clarity and certainty for a project that will cement the UK’s position as a global hub and greatly enhance the passenger experience. Increasing Heathrow’s capacity will support skills development, create jobs and boost trade, all of which are critical in enabling a more economically prosperous and resilient future.

 “We know from working on complex infrastructure projects that the key to success lies in robust, detailed planning. Early contractor involvement and fostering collaboration through long-term partnerships will ensure that the expansion is delivered safely and efficiently on time and on budget.”