Heathrow Expansion Faces Political and Environmental Hurdles

Chancellor Rachel Reeves pushes for a 2035 completion goal, but opposition from Mayor Sadiq Khan and logistical challenges raise doubts.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced plans to accelerate Heathrow's third runway project, aiming for completion by 2035, though aviation experts suggest the early 2040s is more realistic.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has vowed to oppose the expansion, citing concerns over noise pollution, air quality, and the UK's climate commitments.
Reeves has proposed reforms to streamline the planning process, including limiting judicial reviews, which have historically delayed major infrastructure projects like the Stonehenge tunnel.
Environmental concerns remain a significant obstacle, with critics questioning the feasibility of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) meeting demand and their impact on net-zero targets.
Heathrow must submit an updated expansion masterplan by summer 2025, but a formal planning application is not expected for another 18 months to two years, further complicating the timeline.