Downing Street has privately reassured members of the aviation sector of its support for Heathrow's third runway expansion. This follows Prime Minister Andy Burnham's refusal to publicly back the project during recent media appearances at the Labour party conference.
Government advisers have reportedly told the sector that Mr Burnham's remarks were not a sign of the government cooling on the project. Industry figures indicated that Number 10 and internal advisers explained the Prime Minister had not been fully briefed on its economic merits and had been preoccupied with other matters.
The Department for Transport stated that Heathrow expansion has the potential to deliver approximately £40bn in economic benefits across the UK. The department also confirmed it is reviewing responses to a consultation on the policy framework for expansion and considering next steps.
Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) now anticipates delivering the expansion by 2039, a revision from its initial 2035 target. This assumes the planning process remains on track.