The UK Government has confirmed that Heathrow Airport Limited’s (HAL) third runway proposal will form the basis of the ongoing Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) review,[1] marking a major step forward for the long-awaited airport expansion at Heathrow.
The Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander MP, explained that the Government is 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’.[2] This signals firm intent to progress with Heathrow’s expansion.
What is the Heathrow third runway timeline and ANPS milestones?
The ANPS review formally launched on 22 October 2025,[3] with ministers intending to publish a draft revised ANPS by summer 2026,[4] followed by full public consultation. If the updated policy is approved by Parliament, HAL could seek planning consent by 2029, with the third runway potentially operational by 2035.
The expansion plan includes major infrastructure upgrades:[5]
- Construction of a new terminal
- Re-routing part of the M25 motorway
- Increasing Heathrow’s capacity toward 150 million passengers a year
Under the Government’s framework, any expansion must meet the four ANPS tests: climate impact, air quality, noise reduction and national economic benefit.[6]
Statement of Approach: how will the Government run the ANPS review?
To ensure transparency during the ANPS review, the Government has published a Statement of Approach outlining strict rules for ministerial and official conduct:[7]
- No private lobbying: Ministers will not engage in off-the-record discussions on any amended ANPS.
- Impartial decision-making: Ministers with a constituency or private interest must recuse themselves.
- Separation of teams: The Department for Transport (DfT) team drafting the ANPS will remain independent from teams engaging with promoters.
- Formal records: All meetings with promoters relating to the ANPS review must be documented.
Stakeholder engagement, including with local authorities, transport bodies, environmental groups and community organisations, will continue in relation to the ANPS review process and any wider policy issues on the basis that no final decisions will be taken until any consultation is concluded.
Ministers and officials can engage with other airport operators in relation to their operations, provided they understand that ministers and officials will not comment on the merits of content in any amended ANPS.
What happens next with the ANPS review?
A draft revised ANPS is expected to be published for consultation in summer 2026. Following this, ministers will submit the final policy to Parliament. If approved, Heathrow may proceed to the development consent stage.
The outcome will impact the future of UK aviation policy, infrastructure planning and the balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility.
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References:
[1] Department for Transport, Heathrow Airport Limited’s third runway proposal will be basis for expansion, 25 November 2025, link
[2] Department for Transport, Heathrow Airport Limited’s third runway proposal will be basis for expansion, 25 November 2025, link
[3] Department for Transport, Statement of approach by ministers and officials dealing with the review of the Airports National Policy Statement, 25 November 2025, link
[4] Hansard, HC Deb. Heathrow: National Airports Review, vol.773 col.967, 22 October 2025. [Online]. [Accessed 2 December 2025]. Available from: link
[5] Heathrow, Expanding Heathrow proposal, 31 July 2025, link
[6] Department for Transport, Heathrow expansion: selection of a scheme for ANPS review purposes, 25 November 2025, link
[7] Department for Transport, Statement of approach by ministers and officials dealing with the review of the Airports National Policy Statement, 25 November 2025, link
