AirportsUK government advances Heathrow third runway plan, draft expected summer 2026
Heathrow Airport announced that the UK government will move forward with plans for a third runway, with a draft scheme scheduled for publication in summer 2026.
The government confirmed its intention to expand the airport in order to increase the UK’s connectivity and trade, while aiming to enhance passenger experiences and deliver economic benefits for British companies involved in the project.
“We welcome the Government’s confirmation that the expansion of Heathrow, the UK’s gateway for growth, will mean more connectivity, increased trade, improved passenger experience, and a significant economic boost for British firms that will help design it,” the airport said in a statement.
The proposed development must meet sustainability targets outlined in the revised Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS). Project backers are awaiting detailed regulatory guidance from the Civil Aviation Authority and the government for the next phase.
Definitive decisions from both the CAA and the government are required by mid-December to keep the project on schedule and avoid delays.
The expansion of Heathrow has been under discussion for over a decade, with previous plans encountering regulatory and legal challenges. The new timeline sets the next phase in motion amid ongoing industry debate over environmental and operational impacts.
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