The Heathrow Airport expansion has taken a major step forward with the UK government launching a public consultation on its draft revised National Policy Statement. The move comes as Heathrow operates at or near capacity, despite being the nation's only hub airport, and the government believes that expansion could significantly improve connectivity and boost the economy.
The consultation, which is now live, follows a review of the previous Airports National Policy Statement initiated in October 2025. The government has confirmed that this revised policy statement will inform any future application for expansion at Heathrow, with the draft document outlining the planning framework for a potential third runway and associated infrastructure.
Heathrow's Northwest Runway scheme has been a key focus of the review, with the government confirming that it has informed the development of the new policy statement. The draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS) provides the framework against which any future application for expansion would be considered, and details the government's assessment of the need for additional capacity at the airport.
The designation of Heathrow expansion as 'Critical National Growth Infrastructure' (CNGI) is a significant development, underscoring the importance the government places on this project for national growth. The review has also considered developments since the original ANPS was designated in 2018, including updated aviation forecasts and changes in legislation.
The draft HENPS re-emphasises four key tests for Heathrow expansion: a credible contribution to UK-wide economic growth, compatibility with the UK’s legally binding climate targets (including net zero), ensuring expansion does not cause new breaches of legal air quality limits, and limiting noise impacts so they are no worse than 2024 levels. The document also requires promoters to demonstrate how increased passenger demand would be accommodated on the transport network.
The consultation is now open for public feedback, with a surface access vision document published alongside it to set expectations for road and rail improvements. Any application for expansion at Heathrow will still be subject to the statutory development consent order process, including independent examination by the Planning Inspectorate.