Heathrow Third Runway: UK Backs £49bn Expansion Plan and Targets 2035 Opening
The UK government has selected Heathrow Airport Limited’s third runway plan as the official blueprint for airport expansion, targeting a planning decision by 2029 and opening by 2035. The £49bn project will be privately funded and must meet strict climate and noise standards. A rival £25bn scheme was rejected as the reference design but could still compete to build. The government will consult on planning changes by summer 2026.
