Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized the importance of the Heathrow expansion, stating it is a critical move as the government unveils its plan for a third runway. The release of the long-awaited airports national policy statement marks a significant milestone towards the new runway at Heathrow since Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the scheme’s intention last January.
Previously, two proposals were submitted to expand Heathrow. The airport’s owners, Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL), are seeking approval for a full-length, 3,500-meter runway, necessitating the relocation of the busy M25 motorway. This plan, estimated at £33 billion, is anticipated to be privately financed and would escalate Heathrow’s capacity to accommodate 756,000 flights and 150 million passengers annually.
In contrast, hotel mogul Surinder Arora proposes a 2,800-meter runway without impacting the motorway. However, Heidi Alexander expressed her preference for the full-length runway during a statement last year.
Addressing the issue on Thursday, Alexander highlighted the government’s view that the Heathrow expansion is vital for national growth, intending to designate it as critical national growth infrastructure. This designation signifies the government’s emphasis on the expansion’s necessity and its role in the planning process.
The draft plan mandates applicants to present strategies for accommodating increased passenger traffic within the transport network, including provisions for necessary road and rail enhancements. It also requires that the expansion align with the UK’s climate targets, comply with air quality regulations, and ensure noise levels do not exceed 2024 benchmarks, with potential reductions.
The launch of the 10-week consultation coincides with the Makerfield by-election, a pivotal event for Sir Keir Starmer’s future. Andy Burnham, standing as the Labour candidate in Greater Manchester, aims to return to Parliament. Burnham has previously criticized the Heathrow expansion plans, citing concerns that the initiative diverts infrastructure investments from the North to London.
Rachel Reeves expressed determination to commence the third runway’s construction by 2035 during the current Parliament. At a recent summit in London, Reeves underscored that Heathrow is underperforming as a hub airport, attributing delays in infrastructure projects to a lack of decisive action.
Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye welcomed the publication of the draft Heathrow expansion national policy statement as a significant step forward for Britain. He emphasized the economic benefits of an expanded Heathrow and the readiness of the project, supported by various stakeholders and investors.
Alethea Warrington, the head of aviation at the climate charity Possible, criticized the government’s stance, cautioning that allowing a new runway without addressing noise pollution, air quality, and climate targets would be unrealistic.