Government chooses scheme to take forward Heathrow third runway plans

A scheme to take forward the major project to deliver a new third runway at Heathrow Airport has been chosen, the Government has announced.

In October, Labour’s transport secretary Heidi Alexander said the Government was aiming to decide between two schemes ‘by the end of November’.

Today (Tuesday), Ms Alexander confirmed that Heathrow Airport Limited’s (HAL) proposal has been chosen to be used to progress the controversial project.

In total, seven proposals were received to deliver the new runway, but only two were actively considered by the Government.

This included HAL’s proposal, received in July, for a 3,500m third runway, expected to cost £49billlion.

The scheme also looks to create a new terminal complex to the west of Heathrow Terminal 5, provide upgraded supporting infrastructure and move a section of the M25 motorway 

A rival bid had also been submitted by Arora Group to build a shorter 2,800m runway.

Following a request for more information in October from both parties, the Government has assessed that HAL’s proposals offer the ‘most deliverable’ option and provide ‘the greatest likelihood’ of meeting its ambition to have decision on a development consent application within this Parliament.

The proposal will shape the review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), which is the framework in which the planning decision on the expansion will be made.

The ANPS review was launched last month to consider airport expansion, in light of the new climate and environmental obligations.

It also set out the Government’s criteria on considering future planning applications.

Any amendments to the ANPS will be subject to a consultation in summer 2026.

The Government has stated that the selection of the scheme is to inform the remainder of the ANPS review and does not represent a final decision on a third runway scheme or design.

The exact details, including the length of the third runway, the layout and associated infrastructure, will continue to be considered by the Government throughout the remainder of the ANPS review.

The Government is expecting an application for development consent on the Northwest Runway will be brought forward by HAL, following the ANPS review.

The ambition of the Government is to see flights taking off from a new third runway by 2035.

As part of the plans, London’s airspace will be redrawn to ‘ensure the capital’s skies are ready for more departures from a third runway’, the Government said.

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.  

“We’re acting swiftly and decisively to get this project off the ground so we can realise its transformational potential for passengers, businesses, and our economy sooner.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “We’re taking action where previous governments hesitated, and moving forward with Heathrow’s third runway to drive economic growth, international investment and better connections for our country.

“That means opening the door to new growth and opportunity with Heathrow expansion – creating over 100,000 jobs, boosting our economy, and giving businesses and communities the certainty they need to thrive.”