The UK government has initiated a review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), a significant step towards potentially expanding Heathrow Airport with a third runway. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced the review on October 22, 2025, emphasizing a commitment to making a decision within the current parliamentary term, with an ambitious target for flights to commence from the new runway by 2035.
This move signals a renewed push to address capacity constraints at London’s primary hub airport, which has been operating at near full capacity for over two decades. The review aims to accelerate the planning process, with a draft updated ANPS expected to be published for consultation by the summer of 2026, a process that is anticipated to be three years faster than the original ANPS formulation in 2018.
Background to the Expansion Review
The journey towards a third runway at Heathrow has been long and complex, marked by numerous policy shifts and legal challenges. Previous governments have supported and subsequently cancelled expansion plans, with significant opposition arising from environmental groups and local authorities concerned about climate change, air pollution, and noise. The Supreme Court’s lifting of a ban on the third runway in December 2020 allowed planning applications to proceed, but the project stalled due to factors including post-pandemic passenger numbers and investment costs.
This latest review is part of a broader government strategy to streamline planning for nationally significant infrastructure projects, aiming to foster economic growth and job creation. The government views Heathrow’s expansion as critical for the UK’s economy, enhancing its global connectivity and supporting British businesses.
Key Individuals and Stakeholders
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is spearheading the review, stating that the government backs “builders, not blockers” and sees this as a “critical building block” for Heathrow’s future. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has expressed strong support, highlighting the potential for thousands of jobs and significant economic growth across the UK, positioning Britain as a premier business destination.
Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye welcomed the government’s continued support, emphasizing that the airport’s plan is “shovel-ready” and aims to deliver the greatest benefits with minimal local impact. Two potential promoters for the expansion project, Heathrow Airport Limited and the Arora Group, have been asked to submit further details on their proposals, with a single preferred scheme expected to be announced by the end of November 2025.
The Four Key Tests and Environmental Considerations
The ANPS review will assess proposed expansion schemes against four critical tests: climate change commitments, air quality standards, noise impact, and economic growth. Formal advice will be sought from the Climate Change Committee to ensure alignment with the UK’s net-zero targets.
While the government emphasizes economic benefits, concerns about environmental impacts persist. Studies suggest a third runway could lead to increased carbon emissions, air pollution, and noise for surrounding communities. The government has indicated that expansion must be privately financed, with developers covering associated transport infrastructure costs, and is exploring measures like the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Bill to promote greener flights.
Infrastructure and Economic Implications
Beyond the runway itself, the review will also consider improvements to Heathrow’s rail links, addressing calls for better connectivity from areas outside of London. The total cost of the third runway and associated improvements is estimated to be between £25 billion and £49 billion, expected to be fully financed by the private sector.
Proponents argue that expansion will create over 100,000 jobs and inject billions into the UK economy, with approximately 60% of the economic benefit expected to be felt outside the South East. The British Chambers of Commerce estimate annual economic benefits between £900 million and £1.1 billion for every year the project is advanced. Heathrow’s owners propose a 3,500-meter runway and new terminal facilities, aiming to increase capacity to 150 million passengers annually and accommodate 756,000 air traffic movements per year.
Next Steps
The government is set to announce its preferred scheme by the end of November 2025. The reviewed draft ANPS will then be consulted on by summer 2026, with a final decision anticipated before the end of the current parliamentary term. This accelerated process aims to move from discussion to construction, potentially allowing flights from the new runway by 2035, a development that could significantly reshape London’s aviation landscape and the UK’s economic future.
