Heathrow unveils ‘shovel ready’ plans for third runway expansion

London Heathrow Airport (LHR/EGLL) has unveiled plans for the third runway expansion at the airport, which are being described as ‘shovel-ready’.

The airport is now seeking backing from the UK Government, which has already indicated its support for the project.

The core of the proposal is a new 3500 metre long runway to the north of the two existing runways, along with expansions to Terminal 5, known as Terminal 5X (North & West) and Terminal 2, creating 2B and 2C.

The cost of the project is estimated at £49bn, which will be met by private financing.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander welcomed the plans, saying: “I am pleased to have received the initial Heathrow expansion proposals – a significant step towards unlocking growth, creating jobs, and delivering vital national infrastructure to drive forward our Plan for Change.

“We’ll consider the proposals carefully over the summer so that we can begin a review of the Airports National Policy Statement later this year.”

The plans were also welcomed by the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) but added they would be studying the plans to ensure they are delivered responsibly. Joji Waites, Director of Flight Safety at the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA), said: “We’re pleased to see this big step forward towards a third runaway at Heathrow, which is essential to better meet existing – and enable future – demand for air travel.

“What matters to us is that any plans are developed and delivered responsibly – that means putting safety first, committing to genuine environmental sustainability, minimising noise and disruption for local communities, and creating secure, high-quality jobs. It’s also crucial that this goes hand-in-hand with airspace modernisation. These new plans will need review, but assuming all those needs are met, this will represent significant progress for workers, passengers, and the UK economy.” 

Mayor of London Sadiq Kahn opposed the submissions because of the “severe impact it will have in terms of noise, air pollution and meeting our climate change targets”.

The expansion plans also include extended cargo handling facilities along with reconfigured access from the M25, which will need to be ‘realigned’ to accommodate the new runway.

As the project is of national significance, it will not go through the standard planning process and will instead be examined by the Planning Inspectorate (PINS), a team within Government, and ultimately decided by the Secretary of State for Transport following a statutory process set out within the Planning Act 2008. 

The plans are expected to meet fierce opposition from local and national climate campaign groups, though, and many legal challenges can be expected along the way but after decades of wanting a third runway, Heathrow is perhaps the closest it has ever been to it becoming a reality.

If you want to find out more about the expansion plans visit https://www.heathrow.com/company/about-heathrow/expansion