UK. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander today (25 November) approved London Heathrow Airport’s proposal to build a third runway and extend capacity over the next decade.
During the summer, Heathrow presented its plans to ministers, including provision for a £21 billion (US$28.2 billion) privately financed additional runway, supported by new terminal capacity and upgraded infrastructure. This is part of a larger £49 billion (US$65.8 billion) investment to expand and modernise Heathrow, increasing capacity to 150 million passengers a year.
Heathrow released a video (below) and statement on 30 September outlining how it would reroute parts of the M25 motorway around London.
The new future-proofed section would be built ‘offline’ on land 130 metres to the west of today’s motorway, keeping construction separate from daily commuters. Traffic would then be switched from the old route.
The proposals, which were chosen ahead of an alternative plan from the Arora Group, remain subject to planning permission.
A video released in September outlines how Heathrow will upgrade the UK’s busiest motorway and keep motorists moving; click above to view
Minister Alexander said, “Heathrow is our only hub airport which supports trade, tourism and hundreds of thousands of jobs, underpinning prosperity not only in the South East but across the UK.
“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. This will allow a decision on a third runway plan this parliament which meets our key tests including on the environment and economic growth.
“We’re acting swiftly and decisively to get this project off the ground so we can realise its transformational potential for passengers, businesses and our economy sooner.
“The government has been clear expansion plans must meet the UK’s legally binding climate obligations alongside balancing delivering economic growth as well as air quality and noise obligations.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said, “We’re taking action where previous governments hesitated, and moving forward with Heathrow’s third runway to drive economic growth, international investment and better connections for our country.
“That means opening the door to new growth and opportunity with Heathrow expansion – creating over 100,000 jobs, boosting our economy, and giving businesses and communities the certainty they need to thrive.”
The government said it is also pressing ahead with modernising airspace across the UK, to deliver “quicker, quieter and more efficient flights with lower emissions”, reducing the sector’s climate change impacts.
The newly published Airspace Design Strategic Objectives will mean that Greater London airspace will be given priority in airspace modernisation. London’s airspace will be redrawn to ensure the capital’s skies are ready for more departures from a third runway from 2035. ✈
*Click here for a recent interview with Heathrow Retail Director Fraser Brown, which featured discussion of expansion plans and the proposed third runway.
