The Government of the United Kingdom has officially selected the longer proposal for a third runway at London Heathrow Airport (LHR). This decision, announced on [date], favors the plan submitted by Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL), which involves extending the runway to approximately 3,500 meters (11,483 feet). While the project will necessitate the relocation of a section of the M25 motorway, the government deems it the “most deliverable” option available.
This marks a significant step in the protracted planning process for the new runway at the UK’s busiest airport. With air travel demand continuing to rise, the addition of a third runway is seen as essential for enhancing capacity at the slot-based hub.
Government Chooses HAL’s Proposal
The competition for the third runway proposal was between HAL and the Arora Group. HAL’s plan, which was ultimately chosen, stands out due to its potential to nearly double the airport’s capacity. In her statement to Parliament, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed that the government will proceed with HAL’s design, asserting that it presents the best chance for a timely decision on a development consent application.
A government statement elaborated, “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.”
Heathrow’s Response and Economic Implications
Following the announcement, Heathrow Airport responded positively, expressing gratitude for the government’s endorsement of its expansion plan. The airport’s officials emphasized the need for definitive decisions from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the government by mid-December to prevent further delays.
The urgency surrounding this expansion stems from Heathrow operating at full capacity while demand continues to grow. HAL has described its proposal as “shovel-ready,” indicating it could become operational within a decade, with an estimated cost of nearly £50 billion (approximately $66 billion). The expansion is projected to create thousands of new jobs and contribute around 0.43% to the UK’s GDP, bringing enhanced connectivity and improved passenger experiences.
The timeline for moving forward has already been set. It has been nearly a year since the UK government initially approved the concept of a third runway in February 2025, allowing both HAL and the Arora Group to submit their respective bids. With HAL’s proposal now confirmed, it will guide the next steps in shaping the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), which is crucial for the planning decision regarding the expansion.
The draft of the ANPS is expected to be published in the summer of 2024, followed by consultations on potential amendments. Once these consultations conclude, Heathrow will be able to apply for planning permission. The government aims to reach a decision by 2029, aligning with the end of its current parliamentary term. If all goes according to plan, the new runway could open by 2035, marking a transformative development for one of the world’s busiest airports.
