Heathrow Airport has confirmed that it has secured investment to begin work on a planning application for a third runway.
In November last year, the Government selected Heathrow’s expansion proposal over that of its competitor.
As part of the proposals, the M25 will be moved to make space for a 3,500m runway in what has been hailed as a flagship infrastructure project set to drive long-term economic growth.
The airport says that the expansion is necessary to provide billions of pounds of private investment flow to businesses across the UK.
Moreover, proponents claim that the increased capacity would bolster competition, strengthen airline networks and enhance the UK’s global trading links.
The Government aims to obtain planning permission by 2029, with the third runway planned to go into operation in a decade.
Heathrow CEO, Thomas Woldbye, said: “Heathrow expansion is taking another significant step forward today as our Board greenlights starting work on the planning application.”
“This decision means we are on track to secure planning permission by 2029 and reflects Ministers’ renewed commitment to expansion and progress made to speed up delivery of the project to boost UK economic growth.”
A complex project delivery process
However, key regulatory and policy decisions are still set to take place this year to ensure that the expansion can go ahead.
Heathrow’s shareholders, who strongly support expansion, have indicated that the project should only commence with the required frameworks in place.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is expected to provide clarity on how early costs can be recovered in spring 2026.
It will then decide on the long-term regulatory model which will determine if private investment will be forthcoming.
In the summer, the Department for Transport will publish the draft Airports National Policy Statement (‘ANPS’), a document that provides the basis for decision making on expansion at Heathrow.
Parliament will then make a decision on the final ANPS, which will establish the project’s planning framework, in the autumn.
Woldbye has suggested that ministers should implement new rules to speed up planning approval.
“Heathrow expansion is a critical national project and a central part of our journey to make Heathrow an extraordinary airport, fit for the future,” he said.
“Maintaining momentum will mean the CAA and Ministers remain focussed on securing the benefits of the project by meeting vital milestones in 2026 that are essential to enabling the next phase of delivery.”
