Government launches Heathrow third runway consultation with 2029 decision target

The government has launched a 10-week public consultation on the framework for Heathrow’s third runway, marking a major milestone towards a final planning decision in 2029.

 

The draft Airports National Policy Statement – renamed the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (Henps) – sets the criteria against which future planning proposals will be assessed.

 

The consultation will run until September 1, 2026 and Heathrow Airport plans to launch its own consultation following its completion, ahead of submitting a formal planning application in the second half of 2027.

 

More: Heathrow defends third runway plan amid CAA consultation

 

The government stated that any final scheme must meet legally binding climate targets, satisfy strict air quality limits, ensure noise emissions do not worsen for local residents, and demonstrate a clear strategy for economic growth.

 

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander 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.”

 

She added: "This consultation provides an important opportunity for local communities, businesses, local authorities, environmental organisations and other interested parties to provide their views before any final decision is taken."

 

Chancellor Rachel Reeves suggested that the expansion could deliver up to £42 billion in benefits to the UK and support 60,000 local jobs.

 

“Getting here took 18 months from when we announced our support for expansion last January – the fastest ever review of a national policy statement,” Reeves said.

 

Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye welcomed the draft framework, stating the project is vital to the country’s economic potential.

 

“Our plan is privately funded by some of the largest investors in the world, widely supported by businesses, trade unions and communities across the country, and it’s ready to go after years of scrutiny,” he said.

 

“We will now focus on securing planning permission and delivering this vital project.”

 

The expansion project has already secured backing from major trade unions, including Unite and GMB, as well as UK regional airports including Belfast, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle and Newquay, which are expected to benefit from increased domestic connectivity.

 

Karen Dee, chief executive of AirportsUK, said: “This is vital to drive inward investment, develop new trading opportunities, bring tourists to the UK, and create jobs and economic growth in all our regions.

 

“We will work with our members and with ministers to ensure it provides the right conditions to ensure the country can deliver in a timely and sustainable fashion, the capacity and connectivity it requires in the future, linking our communities and businesses with domestic and international markets.”

 

Surinder Arora, founder and chairman of the Arora Group, said: “We welcome the government progressing Heathrow expansion. We specifically welcome them leaving the door open to competitive tenders to ensure the best proposals can be advanced.

 

“This is in addition to making allowances for a runway of up to 3500m which makes the scheme more flexible in order to deliver benefits in timescale and affordability.”

 

A spokesperson for the Heathrow Reimagined alliance, which includes the Arora Group alongside leading Heathrow airlines, said: “Heathrow Reimagined welcomes the acknowledgment in the draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement of the CAA’s ongoing work to develop a regulatory framework focused on protecting consumers and affordability. Priorities that our campaign has actively engaged on this week through its response to the CAA’s consultation.

 

“We urge the CAA to continue this work diligently and at pace, ensuring that expansion is delivered with value for money at its heart, leveraging competition between promoters, to secure the benefits for passengers and the wider UK economy.”

 

John Dickie, chief executive at campaign group BusinessLDN, said: “Building a third runway at Heathrow is vital to the UK’s competitiveness as an island trading nation, so it’s positive to see the government taking the next steps towards making the project a reality. 

 

“The airport’s privately-funded expansion will give businesses better connectivity to overseas markets, support trade, boost inbound tourism, and drive growth and job creation up and down the country. 

 

“The economic case for expansion is clear, and Heathrow’s shovel-ready proposals remain the only viable option for delivery.”