The UK government has confirmed that Heathrow Airport Limited’s (HAL) £49bn ($64.39bn) expansion plans will serve as the basis for moving forward with a third runway at the airport.
HAL outlined the scheme earlier in the year. These plans comprise £21bn for a new runway and airfield infrastructure, £12bn for constructing new terminal and stand capacity, and £15bn for upgrading existing airport facilities.
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The announcement was made by the UK’s transport secretary Heidi Alexander following an assessment of submissions from remaining promoters.
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 [England] 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.”
With this decision, alternative proposals from The Arora Group/Heathrow West Limited (HWL) for the site will not proceed.
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By GlobalDataThe process has helped identify HAL’s plan as the most viable for enabling a planning decision by 2029 and for introducing a new runway in operation by 2035, said the minister.
In a written statement to the UK parliament, Alexander said: “Following a comparative assessment of the remaining proposals for Heathrow expansion, the government’s view is that the north-west runway scheme brought forward by Heathrow Airport Limited offers the most credible and deliverable option, principally due to the relative maturity of its proposal, the comparative level of confidence in the feasibility and resilience of its surface access plans and the stronger comfort it provides in relation to the efficient, resilient and sustainable operations of the airport over the long-term.”
The government also views the HAL project as more advanced in its planning for road infrastructure compared to other options.
In her statement, the minister also noted that HAL’s project needs a larger land area but would involve acquiring fewer residential properties near the airport than the HWL project.
HAL has proposed a runway length of up to 3.5km, which offers more operational flexibility and is better suited to accommodate future aircraft models compared to the 2.8km runway length put forward by HWL, she said.
The minister mentioned that the project will contribute to the current review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS).
The ANPS sets out the government’s policy framework for increasing airport capacity in South East England.
More than 1.1 million take-offs and landings occur each year in London airspace, and these revised arrangements aim to improve operational efficiency by 2035 while reducing noise and emissions.
The move follows record passenger numbers at Heathrow over the mid-year period and recent approvals for Luton and Gatwick airport expansions as the government pursues policies supporting growth within the aviation sector.
Ministers stated that economic benefits from this improved connectivity align with commitments to national climate targets, air quality, and noise management obligations.
The independent Climate Change Committee will advise on ensuring expansion plans adhere to net-zero goals.
Alongside expansion proposals, consultations have begun on simplifying air navigation guidance, with aims to reduce emissions and clarify priorities relating to future changes in UK airspace.
Association for Consultancy and Engineering Group public affairs director Ben Brittain said: “The government’s decision to advance Heathrow’s third runway proposal is the right one, providing long-needed clarity and momentum.
“A project of this scale will rely on disciplined design, engineering excellence and timely delivery, ensuring that the expansion strengthens the UK’s competitiveness while meeting environmental obligations.
“With a clear path now set, this is a significant opportunity to deliver infrastructure that supports growth, enhances connectivity and underpins the country’s long-term economic ambitions.”
