The UK government has launched a public consultation on the framework for Heathrow's third runway, marking a significant milestone in the expansion project. The consultation, which will run for over 10 weeks until 1 September 2026, invites British businesses, communities, and the public to shape the future of one of the world's most successful hub airports.
The expansion is expected to support over 60,000 new local jobs and attract £40 billion in benefits to the UK, with up to 40% of the growth benefits predicted to be in areas outside of London and the South East. Passengers will see benefits through direct improvements, such as fewer delays, better value fares, and more choice.
Heathrow handles more flights than any other two-runway airport in the world, with a record 84 million passengers using the airport last year. The expansion will ensure Heathrow continues to support hundreds of thousands of jobs across a diverse range of sectors, providing vital, highly skilled employment in all four corners of the UK.
The consultation proposes that any scheme must have a clear strategy to create jobs and realise the economic benefits of expansion, be compatible with the UK's legally binding climate targets, not breach legal air quality limits, and ensure noise emissions do not worsen for local residents. Planning proposals from developers looking to build a third runway will be strictly assessed against these key tests.