Overview

• Heathrow's £14 billion expansion plan includes a third runway, upgrades to Terminals 2 and 5, and improved transport links funded entirely by private investment.
• Chancellor Rachel Reeves supports the project as part of efforts to stimulate economic growth, with plans to create over 100,000 jobs and increase flight capacity by 260,000 annually.
• The third runway will require significant infrastructure changes, including tunneling the M25 and relocating parts of nearby communities, with up to 700 buildings potentially affected.
• Critics, including environmental groups and local residents, raise concerns over increased noise, pollution, and the demolition of homes and businesses in impacted areas.
• Heathrow plans to submit the proposal to the government this summer, with the runway expected to be operational in the 2030s, pending approval and compliance with environmental safeguards.