The UK government has announced a renewed push to advance plans for Heathrow Airport’s third runway, with a review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) launched by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander on 22 October 2025.
The review will update the policy framework that guides decisions on airport expansion in light of new environmental and climate obligations introduced since the ANPS was first designated in 2018. The government said the updated process will be completed three years faster than the original, with a draft version expected to be published for consultation by summer 2026.
According to the Department for Transport, the review will ensure that any planning application for expansion can progress quickly enough for a final decision within the current Parliament. The process will be based on four tests covering climate change, air quality, noise, and economic growth. Formal advice will also be sought from the Climate Change Committee to ensure that any policy changes align with the UK’s net zero commitments.
Two potential promoters—Heathrow Airport Limited and the Arora Group—remain under consideration for leading the expansion project. Both have been asked to submit additional information on their proposals to clarify the likely impacts for investors, local communities, and businesses. A single preferred scheme is expected to be identified by the end of November.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander said:When we say this government is one that backs the builders, not blockers we mean it. Today is a critical building block which will advance plans for the delivery of a third runway at Heathrow, meaning people can start to experience the full benefits sooner.
As our only hub airport, Heathrow is critical to the UK’s economy, connecting millions of people every year and exporting British businesses across the globe. Enabling Heathrow expansion will drive economic growth and create jobs across the country, delivering on our Plan for Change.
The government has also indicated it would consider designating Heathrow expansion as a “critical national priority infrastructure project”, subjecting it to enhanced security and resilience requirements.
In parallel, the Department for Transport confirmed progress on its Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Bill, designed to promote domestic production of low-carbon aviation fuels. The Bill will guarantee a set price per unit of SAF produced in the UK, aiming to support investment and scale-up. Around 63 million GBP has been allocated to accelerate the construction of production plants.
Further measures include the creation of a UK Airspace Design Service to modernise the country’s airspace and reforms to airspace slot allocation at major airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:After decades of false starts, we are backing the builders to get Heathrow’s third runway built, creating thousands of jobs, boosting growth across the UK, and making Britain the world’s best connected place to do business.
This government is getting Britain building to kickstart growth and deliver an economy that works for, and rewards, working people.
The announcement follows recent government approvals for expansion at Luton and Gatwick airports, and is part of a wider effort to streamline planning and approvals for nationally significant infrastructure. The forthcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to shorten consent processes and reduce court delays for major projects.
If approved, construction of Heathrow’s third runway could begin later this decade, with the government aiming for flights from the new runway to commence by 2035.
