Heathrow third runway project now faces a four-year schedule shift, with the £49 billion expansion targeting operations by 2039. The proposed Northwest Runway forms the centrepiece of a wider airport construction programme. The scheme also covers terminal expansion, transport infrastructure and upgrades to existing facilities. Heathrow previously targeted a 2035 opening, but now considers that timetable too ambitious.
The revised timeline places greater emphasis on securing planning consent before major construction can advance. Heathrow continues targeting planning permission by 2029. It expects the runway to open within a decade after securing that approval.
The project therefore remains active, despite the revised operational target. Its next major milestone involves progressing the planning framework and preparing the formal development consent application.
Heathrow third runway project enters a longer planning runway
The Heathrow third runway project faces a complex planning process before construction can begin. The UK government launched consultation on the draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement in June 2026.
The framework will guide future decisions on Heathrow expansion proposals. It covers economic growth, climate, air quality, noise and community impacts. However, the policy statement does not grant permission to construct the runway.
Heathrow must still submit a statutory development consent application after the planning framework becomes final. The application will then undergo the required examination and decision process.
Meanwhile, the government selected Heathrow’s proposal as the basis for advancing the expansion. That decision followed its review of potential third-runway schemes.
The earlier 2035 target depended on planning approval by 2029. However, Heathrow now says meeting that schedule would require significant regulatory and policy changes.
Consequently, the 2039 date reflects Heathrow’s core delivery scenario rather than a guaranteed completion date. The airport continues to target construction delivery within ten years after planning approval.
The Heathrow expansion comes as the UK accelerates major airport infrastructure investment, following approval of the £2.2 billion Gatwick expansion. The Gatwick second runway project will increase capacity at the West Sussex airport, adding another major aviation construction scheme to the country’s infrastructure pipeline.
Heathrow third runway project expands beyond the runway
The Heathrow third runway project forms part of a £49 billion private investment programme. About £21 billion covers the proposed runway and related airfield infrastructure.
Another £12 billion covers new terminal capacity and associated airport infrastructure. The remaining £15 billion covers modernisation of existing airport facilities.
The proposed Northwest Runway would measure up to 3,500 metres. Construction would also require substantial changes around the airport.
The scheme includes rerouting part of the M25 motorway beneath the proposed runway. It also includes new terminal facilities, baggage systems, stands and transport connections.
Furthermore, Heathrow expects the expanded airport to support up to 756,000 annual aircraft movements. Current capacity stands at about 480,000 annual movements.
That would create capacity for as many as 276,000 additional annual aircraft movements. Heathrow also expects the expanded airport to handle up to 150 million passengers annually.
The wider construction programme could therefore transform Heathrow’s airfield and terminal infrastructure. It would also create significant requirements for roads, passenger facilities and supporting airport systems.
The UK government says expansion could support more than 60,000 new local jobs. It also expects stronger passenger and freight connections across the country.
However, the project still requires planning approval before major construction activity can proceed. The 2039 scenario therefore gives the development additional time for approvals, design and delivery.
Project fact sheet
Project: Heathrow third runway expansion
Focus development: Northwest Runway
Location: Heathrow Airport, west London, United Kingdom
Total programme value: £49 billion
Proposed runway investment: Approximately £21 billion
New terminal capacity: Approximately £12 billion
Existing infrastructure modernization: Approximately £15 billion
Proposed runway length: Up to 3,500 metres
Existing runways: Two
Current annual aircraft movements: Approximately 480,000
Proposed annual aircraft movements: Up to 756,000
Potential additional movements: Up to 276,000 annually
Potential passenger capacity: Up to 150 million passengers annually
Major road infrastructure: M25 realignment and tunnel works
Terminal works: New terminal capacity and supporting facilities
Baggage infrastructure: New and expanded systems
Aircraft infrastructure: Additional stands and airfield facilities
Previous target opening: 2035
Current core opening scenario: 2039
Planning permission target: 2029
Current stage: Planning and development consent preparation
Development consent mechanism: Development Consent Order
Consultation framework: Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement
Financing: Private investment
Construction status: Main construction has not commenced
Project team
Project promoter: Heathrow Airport Limited
Airport operator: Heathrow Airport Limited
Government department: UK Department for Transport
Aviation regulator: Civil Aviation Authority
Planning framework: Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement
Planning examination body: Planning Inspectorate
Development consent decision-maker: UK Secretary of State
Runway development: Heathrow Airport Limited
Terminal development: Heathrow Airport Limited
Airfield infrastructure: Heathrow Airport Limited
M25 infrastructure works: Heathrow Airport Limited and relevant highways authorities
Planning application: Heathrow Airport Limited
Regulatory oversight: Civil Aviation Authority
Public consultation: UK Government and Heathrow Airport Limited
Main construction contractor: Not yet appointed
Principal runway contractor: Not yet appointed
Terminal construction contractor: Not yet appointed
Target planning approval: 2029
Current operational target: 2039
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