UK picks plan for £33bn Heathrow runway

Heathrow Airport (Image: Skórzewiak via AdobeStock - stock.adobe.com)

The 2.2 mile runway would require a new road tunnel to cross the busy M25 road (a circular road that runs around London) and is scheduled to be operational by 2035.

The transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, said the choice would enable swift progress to full planning permission by 2029, providing the runway met the government’s four tests, including environmental, economic, noise and air quality considerations.

The runway itself is expected to cost £21 billion (US$27 billion), with a further £12 billion (US$15.8 billion) needed for associated infrastructure including new satellite terminals.

“Today is another important step to enable a third runway and build on these benefits, setting the direction for the remainder of our work to get the policy framework in place for airport expansion,” said Alexander.

“This will allow a decision on a third runway plan this parliament which meets our key tests including on the environment and economic growth.”

Government ministers had been considering two options – the alternative was for a shorter runway which did not require altering the M25.

It is still not guaranteed that the new runway will be built - the government will review Heathrow’s national policy statement, needed for the runway to progress, with a full public consultation by July next year.

Heathrow Airport is Europe’s busiest airport based on passenger numbers, having served nearly 84 million passengers in 2024.