Plans to expand Heathrow Airport have moved a step closer after the Transport Secretary launched a review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) — the framework that will guide any decision on a third runway.
The review, announced in Parliament on Wednesday, marks the government’s latest move to accelerate major infrastructure projects. The updated draft of the ANPS is expected to be published for consultation by summer 2026, with ministers aiming for a final decision on Heathrow’s expansion before the end of this Parliament.
The original ANPS, approved in 2018, took five years to complete. However, the government says it is now determined to “go further and faster” to support construction and growth.
Heidi Alexander, Transport Secretary said an updated framework was needed to reflect new environmental and climate obligations introduced since 2018. Any proposed expansion will be required to meet four key tests on climate change, noise, air quality and economic growth.
Ms Alexander told MPs: “When we say this government backs the builders, not the blockers, we mean it. Today is a critical building block which will advance plans for the delivery of a third runway at Heathrow, meaning people can start to experience the full benefits sooner.”
She added that Heathrow, as the UK’s only hub airport, plays a “critical” role in connecting the nation to global markets, supporting millions of passengers and British exporters each year.
The government said the ANPS review will enable planning applications for Heathrow’s third runway to progress quickly enough for a final decision to be made before 2030, paving the way for flights from the new runway by 2035.
Formal advice will be sought from the Climate Change Committee to ensure the updated policy aligns with the UK’s net zero commitments.
Two promoters — Heathrow Airport Limited and the Arora Group — remain under active consideration to deliver the expansion. They will now be required to submit further details of their proposals, including potential community, environmental and financial impacts. The government will select one scheme to take forward by the end of November 2025.
The review follows recent approvals for Luton and Gatwick expansions, as ministers continue to back aviation projects that they say will boost jobs and economic growth.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “After decades of false starts, we are backing the builders to get Heathrow’s third runway built — creating thousands of jobs, boosting growth across the UK, and making Britain the world’s best-connected place to do business.”
The government has stressed that any Heathrow expansion must be fully financed by the private sector, with no cost to taxpayers. Developers will also be expected to cover the cost of associated transport improvements.
Ministers are also considering whether to designate the third runway as critical national infrastructure, which would subject it to enhanced security and resilience standards.
The government’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Bill is intended to ensure the project aligns with climate goals. The bill aims to boost domestic SAF production by guaranteeing UK producers a set price per unit of fuel, supported by a £63 million investment to fast-track construction of new plants.
A new UK Airspace Design Service will also be established to modernise national airspace, alongside slot reforms intended to ensure fair access and maximise benefits for passengers and communities at Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton.
Industry leaders welcomed the government’s move.
Karen Dee, Chief Executive of Airports UK, said: “Delivering critical national infrastructure, including airport capacity, is vital if the UK is to increase economic growth. A clear and predictable approvals process will help bring forward investment and drive productivity.”
Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, added: “We welcome the government’s recognition of aviation’s unique role in driving growth. Heathrow expansion must be affordable, deliverable, and consistent with the industry’s net zero goals.”
Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said fast-tracking Heathrow’s expansion would be “great news” for business:
“A third runway at Heathrow is vital to accelerating economic growth. Around 60% of the economic benefit will be felt outside London and the South East.”
To support faster delivery, ministers are also advancing planning reforms through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, designed to simplify approval for major projects and reduce delays in judicial reviews.
The government says the reforms and the Heathrow review together signal a “decisive shift” towards rebuilding national infrastructure and ensuring Britain “gets building again.”
A spokesperson for Heathrow Reimagined said: “Our campaign is fully supportive of expansion, but it cannot come at any cost. Heathrow is already the most expensive airport in the world.
“We welcome the Government’s commitment to ensure Heathrow third runway expansion is competitive, affordable and represents value for money.
“The full benefits of expansion to consumers, businesses and the UK economy will only be achieved through fundamental regulatory reform at Heathrow, and we look forward to the CAA’s upcoming review Working Paper.”
