Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized the importance of expanding Heathrow Airport as the government unveiled its plan for a third runway. The release of the long-awaited airports national policy statement represents a significant milestone in advancing the project at the airport since Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the government’s commitment to proceeding with the initiative last January.
Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL), the airport’s owners, have proposed constructing a full-length 3,500-meter runway, necessitating the relocation of the busy M25 motorway. The estimated cost of their scheme is £33 billion and is anticipated to be entirely privately funded. This expansion would elevate Heathrow’s capacity to accommodate 756,000 flights and 150 million passengers annually.
Contrastingly, hotel magnate Surinder Arora is advocating for a 2,800-meter runway that would not require shifting the motorway. In a statement last November, Ms. Alexander expressed her preference for the full-length runway proposal.
Addressing the media, she stated, “The Government views the development outlined in the Heathrow expansion NPS as vital for national growth and intends to designate Heathrow’s expansion as critical national growth infrastructure. This signifies the government’s recognition of the necessity for expansion and will be a crucial element in the planning process.”
The preliminary plan mandates applicants to demonstrate how the transportation network will manage the surge in passenger volumes, including the delivery of essential road and rail enhancements. It stipulates that expansion must align with the UK’s legally binding climate objectives, not lead to new breaches of air quality standards, and ensure noise levels do not surpass those of 2024, with reductions wherever feasible.
The launch of the 10-week consultation coincides with the Makerfield by-election, which may influence Sir Keir Starmer’s future. Andy Burnham, running as the Labour candidate in Greater Manchester, aims to return to Parliament to potentially replace the Prime Minister. Burnham has voiced apprehensions regarding Heathrow expansion, alleging that the plans divert infrastructure investments from the North to London.
Ms. Reeves affirmed her commitment to commencing construction on the third runway during the current Parliament and completing it by 2035. Speaking at the Times CEO Summit, she criticized Heathrow for not fulfilling its potential as a hub airport, asserting that the UK struggles to execute necessary projects promptly.
Heathrow’s CEO, Thomas Woldbye, lauded the release of the draft Heathrow expansion national policy statement as a notable step forward for Britain. He stressed the indispensability of an expanded Heathrow for the nation’s economic growth. Woldbye highlighted the project’s readiness, extensive backing from various sectors, and the importance of securing planning approval to proceed with the initiative.
Alethea Warrington, head of aviation at climate charity Possible, expressed concerns over the government’s stance on allowing a new runway without exacerbating noise pollution, air quality deterioration, or breaching climate targets.