Overview
- The Department for Transport has launched an expedited review of the Airports National Policy Statement to set a faster route for a third runway, targeting a final decision within this Parliament and an ambition for flights by 2035.
- Two competing promoter plans remain in play, with Heathrow Airport Limited proposing a ~£49bn, 3,500m runway that would require M25 changes and Arora’s Heathrow West offering a ~£25bn, 2,800m alternative; a single scheme will be named by the end of November.
- The revised policy will require schemes to meet four tests on climate change, noise, air quality and economic growth, and the government will seek formal advice from the Climate Change Committee.
- Expansion must be funded entirely by the private sector, including surface access upgrades, as the review examines rail links and local road pressures to ensure access can support an enlarged airport.
- Parliament’s Environmental Audit Committee warns airport growth risks putting net-zero goals in ‘serious jeopardy’, while the government says the draft reviewed ANPS will go to public consultation by summer 2026 alongside planning and judicial process reforms.