Heathrow Seeks Government Approval for £49 Billion Third Runway Expansion

Heathrow Airport has submitted a £49 billion, privately funded proposal for a third runway, aiming to increase annual flight capacity from 480,000 to 756,000 and serve up to 150 million passengers, with construction potentially completed within a decade. The plan includes a 3,500-meter northwest runway requiring partial diversion of the M25 motorway through a tunnel, a new terminal complex called T5X, and upgrades to existing terminals including the closure of Terminal 3. The expansion is expected to add 30 new daily routes, boost the UK economy by 0.43%, and create significant benefits outside London, while reaffirming Heathrow's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050. Despite support from major UK business organizations and airlines like easyJet, the project faces opposition from local residents and political figures such as London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who cite noise and environmental concerns and threaten legal challenges. The Labour government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, supports moving forward with the project, viewing it as key to economic growth, though internal party divisions remain. A planning application is anticipated in 2028 following government review and consultation.