The official cost estimate for Heathrow's third runway has reached £49bn. The overall budget for the airport's expansion and operating expenditure could potentially rise beyond £100bn, with an unspecified portion of this cost falling on taxpayers.
The opening date for the third runway has been delayed from the previously planned 2035 to 2039. The proposal has been under debate for two decades.
Airlines have expressed scepticism regarding the third runway, and passengers may face surcharges higher than those in other European airports. Capacity at Gatwick and Stansted airports is reportedly underused.