After decades of debate, Heathrow Airport has submitted its detailed expansion proposal to the government, aiming to deliver a fully operational third runway by 2035.
The idea of adding a third runway to the UK’s busiest airport has been a recurring political battleground since the early 2000s. The Labour government’s 2003 white paper, The Future of Air Transport, first backed the project, but since then it has been repeatedly approved, paused and revived. Former London mayor Boris Johnson famously vowed to block it, while current Labour leaders Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves are openly supportive. London’s present mayor, Sadiq Khan, remains firmly opposed.
Unlike HS2, which critics say was rushed into construction, Heathrow’s long delay has allowed for extensive planning. The government invited expansion proposals last winter, and Heathrow has now tabled a £48 billion vision. Key features include moving part of the M25 under the new runway and introducing major upgrades across the airport.
Heathrow says it can build the third runway for £21 billion within 10 years, provided the government delivers the necessary policy changes and regulatory framework.
The submitted blueprint outlines:
• A north-western runway stretching up to 3,500 metres
• Capacity for up to 756,000 flights and 150 million passengers annually
• A new ‘T5X’ terminal, expanded Terminal 2 facilities, and three satellite terminals
The investment plan breaks down as follows:
• £21 billion for the runway and airfield infrastructure (up from £14 billion in 2018 due to inflation)
• £12 billion for the new T5X terminal and additional stands
• £15 billion for upgrading existing terminals, including expanding Terminal 2 and eventually replacing Terminal 3
According to Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye, expansion is critical to the UK’s trade and connectivity. He said: “It has never been more important to expand Heathrow. We are operating at capacity, which is holding the country back. With government approval and a suitable regulatory model, we can begin work this year, driving investment and jobs across the UK.”
If policy changes are agreed, Heathrow plans to begin public consultation next year, aiming to submit its formal planning application in 2028.
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