Heathrow pushes ministers to ‘move forward’ with third runway proposal

Heathrow has urged ministers to “move forward” Heathrow’s plans for a third runway.

The call came as the London hub reported a record 23.4 million passengers in the peak summer quarter.

The airport handled more than eight million passengers in August alone - the first time ever for a European airport - and claimed to be the most punctual.

Revenue in the first nine months of 2025 rose 2% to £2.7 billion, driven by strong long-haul flying, increased uptake of premium services, and favourable property performance. 

These gains partially offset “ongoing headwinds”, such as the loss of VAT-free shopping, according to Heathrow. Adjusted year on year earnings [ebitda] fell slightly by 0.2% to £1.53 billion as operating costs rose by 5% to £1.17 billion.

Heathrow noted that it had invested £901 million so far this year “to enhance passenger experience and resilience”. 

A future investment plan to modernise and upgrade the existing airport between 2027 and 2031 is being considered by the Civil Aviation Authority. 

This will be delivered with “stretching efficiency targets” and an average airport charge that is lower in real terms than it was a decade ago, Heathrow claimed.

A statement said: “Longer term, we are progressing our plans to deliver a third runway.  Ministers are clear that they expect planning permission to be secured by 2029 and the third runway to be operational within a decade. 

“We are engaging with the CAA on its initial proposals for costs associated with securing planning permission and will respond to the CAA’s autumn consultation on potential changes to the regulatory framework that will facilitate the timely delivery of the project.” 

The full year outlook remains consistent with a June projection with overall passenger demand to exceed 2024 levels.

Nine new routes were added over the summer, with two more to follow this winter. Three new airlines - Riyadh Air, Air Peace, and IndiGo - will also begin serving Heathrow.

Chief financial officer Sally Ding said: “We already invest over £1 billion every year to improve the airport and we have exciting plans to increase that investment to deliver the modern, upgraded facilities customers want. 

"We are also working to unlock a third runway which can be operational within a decade, giving customers more value and choice and securing economic growth across the whole country for decades to come. 

"Ministers now need to move forward to unlock this 100% privately financed investment and get Britain growing.”