The British government moved ahead with its plan to expand the country’s biggest hub, Heathrow Airport, on Thursday, publishing a framework setting out conditions for the building of a new runway. Plans to expand Heathrow, about 15 miles west of London, have faced opposition for decades from local communities and environmentalists.
The government said it had concluded its Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement and would now launch a 10-week public consultation, during which communities, airlines and climate change campaigners can submit views. The HENPS will be amended if needed, before parliament scrutinises it and a vote is held.
The HENPS is the initial stage in the process towards securing planning permission for a third runway. Last year the government gave the green light to the project, and selected the airport owner’s £33 billion plan to build the runway over a cheaper alternative.
The framework stated the plan must help drive economic growth, be compatible with legally binding climate targets, not breach air quality limits and not worsen noise pollution. The government wants Heathrow’s new runway to open in 2035.
British Airways-owner IAG and Virgin Atlantic have warned expansion costs could push up charges and deter traffic. Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, operates at full capacity with two runways compare with four each in Paris’ Charles De Gaulle and Frankfurt Airport, and six at Amsterdam’s Schiphol.
The government said it was also reviewing its Jet Zero Strategy and plans an update in early 2027. It has in the past said increasing use of sustainable aviation fuel would help cut carbon emissions.
