Overview
- Heathrow told ministers on Saturday that the previously set 2035 opening is unachievable and is now targeting a 2039 start while still aiming to secure planning permission by 2029.
- The announcement has exposed a public split in government with Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging local views to lead the debate and Chancellor John Healey continuing to back the scheme as an economic priority.
- The Department for Transport says there is no live planning application and any progress depends on the national policy statement, parliamentary votes and the outcome of the recent consultation.
- Climate advisers, the Mayor of London and campaign groups say expansion should only proceed with stronger measures to cut aviation emissions, and legal challenges from opponents are expected.
- Heathrow and supporters say the privately financed programme would deliver roughly 100,000–108,000 jobs and heavy infrastructure work such as rerouting the M25 and demolishing homes, which would shape local impact and costs.