- third runway at Heathrow moves a step closer as government
launches public consultation on the framework for future planning
decisions.
- an expanded Heathrow could support over 60,000 of new local
jobs, improve connectivity across the UK, and strengthen international
passenger and freight links
- British businesses, communities and the public invited to
play an active role in shaping the future of one of the world's
most successful hub airports with consultation to run for over 10
weeks, until the end of August
The government has today (18 June 2026) launched a public consultation on the
framework for future decisions on Heathrow's third runway.
This marks another key milestone in delivering a final planning
decision in 2029, making sure it meets key tests on noise, air
quality, climate and economic growth.
Expansion at Heathrow will attract international investment,
boost Britain's connectivity to new markets, and could deliver
over £40 billion of benefits to the UK. Up to 40% of the growth benefits of
expansion, once fully operational, is expected to be in areas
outside of London and the South East. Passengers will see
benefits through direct improvements when they travel, such as
fewer delays, better value fares and more choice.
Heathrow handles more flights than any other 2-runway airport in
the world, with a record 84 million passengers using the airport
last year underlining how necessary boosting its capacity is.
From baggage handlers and cabin crew on the ground, to
manufacturers and suppliers across the UK, a third runway will ensure Heathrow
continues to support hundreds of thousands of jobs across a
diverse range of sectors providing vital, highly skilled
employment in all four corners of the UK.
Businesses, communities, and the wider aviation sector will now
have a chance to have their say on plans for a third runway,
including how the project can manage the four key areas of air
quality, noise, climate change, and economic growth.
The consultation proposes that any scheme must have a clear
strategy to create jobs and realise the economic benefits of
expansion, be compatible with the UK's legally binding climate targets, not
breach legal air quality limits, and ensure noise emissions do
not worsen for local residents.
Planning proposals from developers looking to build a third
runway will be strictly assessed against these key tests ensuring
expansion meets the needs of local people, and serves the
UK economy by driving growth.
This consultation will also strengthen the decision-making
process and keep the government on track to take a final planning
decision on the project by 2029.
This follows the Transport Secretary committing to complete the
process 3 years faster than production of the previous policy statement
in 2018.
Transport Secretary, said:
We're a government of builders, not blockers, taking the steps
needed to unlock billions in investment, boost growth, and create
thousands of local jobs.
Today's consultation is a positive step towards realising the
benefits of a third runway, by giving businesses, communities,
and the public the chance to help shape this key project at one
of the world's most successful hub airports.
We are determined to move quickly and responsibly to set a
framework for future expansion at Heathrow that will meet the
needs of local people and the country on the key issues of noise,
air quality, climate change and economic growth.
Chancellor of the Exchequer said:
Growth is this government's top priority, and we are backing the
builders to get Britain moving.
An expanded Heathrow could support over 60,000 good local jobs
and deliver up to £42 billion in economic benefits -
strengthening vital links and improving connectivity across the
UK.
This consultation is a key milestone in delivering the
infrastructure our country needs. Getting here took 18 months
from when we announced our support for expansion last January the
fastest ever review of a national policy statement.
The independent Climate Change Committee is being formally
consulted to advise on how expansion can be consistent with the
net zero framework.
Airspace across the UK is
also being modernised to deliver quicker, quieter, and more
efficient flights with lower emissions, reducing the sector's
climate change impacts.
In November, the government officially
selected the scheme proposed by Heathrow Airport Limited
(HAL) to inform
the National Policy Statement review.
Read the draft Heathrow Expansion
National Policy Statement.
Have your say on the draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy
Statement proposed amendments.
