Heathrow third runway review launches, setting path to decision by end of Parliament

The U.K. government has opened a review of the Airports National Policy Statement, a key step toward a final decision on a third runway at Heathrow.

The Transport Secretary said a revised draft ANPS will be published for consultation by summer 2026, moving “further and faster” than the 2018 process. The update is required to reflect new environmental and climate obligations that have emerged since the ANPS was first designated.

Any Heathrow expansion must meet four tests covering climate change, noise, air quality and nationwide economic growth. Ministers will seek formal advice from the Climate Change Committee to ensure consistency with net-zero commitments.

The government wants planning applications to progress quickly enough for a final planning decision within this Parliament, with the ambition of flights taking off from a new runway by 2035. The review follows approvals this year for expansion at Luton and Gatwick as part of a broader push to accelerate major infrastructure.

Two promoter schemes remain under active consideration: Heathrow Airport Limited and the Arora Group. After both submit further details on impacts for investors, communities and businesses, the government plans to name a single scheme to carry forward by the end of November, ahead of public consultation next summer.