Overview
- The prime minister declined to give explicit support for the third runway, saying on Sunday that the decision should reflect the views of Londoners and the outcome of a consultation.
- Treasury ministers publicly backed expansion on Monday, arguing the project would bring jobs and investment and that Heathrow matters to the whole country.
- Heathrow announced an eight‑week public consultation running from October 27 to December 22, 2026, which the airport says will inform any later planning application.
- Airport bosses have told ministers the original 2035 opening is now unrealistic, with Heathrow aiming for planning permission by 2029 and reporting a total scheme cost of about £33 billion including roughly £1.5 billion to move the M25.
- The split increases political uncertainty ahead of a planning bid and highlights likely hurdles for the scheme from local opposition, legal and environmental scrutiny, and pressure from union and mayoral voices.