Overview
- Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander opened a review of the Airports National Policy Statement, targeting a final decision within this Parliament and setting an ambition for a new runway to be operational by 2035.
- A reviewed draft ANPS will be published for public consultation by summer 2026 to frame how any Heathrow expansion is assessed.
- Ministers will choose a single scheme by the end of November from proposals by Heathrow Airport Limited and the Arora Group after seeking further details on impacts for investors, communities and businesses.
- Any plan must satisfy four tests on climate change, noise, air quality and economic growth, with formal advice to be sought from the Climate Change Committee to align with net-zero obligations.
- The government says expansion must be privately financed at no cost to taxpayers, as it advances planning and judicial reforms, a Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill and airspace modernisation to speed delivery, with industry voices also warning against unaffordable costs.