Heathrow to get a new third runway within a decade?

Three weeks after unveiling a £10 billion investment plan to upgrade its facilities, Heathrow has submitted what it is calling its £21 billion ‘shovel-ready’ proposals for a third runway.

If the plan receives positive feedback from the UK government by September, theoretically the potential third runway, which has been talked about for over 40 years, could finally become a reality within the next decade.

The blueprint submitted to Government today includes:

• A north-western runway up to 3,500m – a design that already has Parliamentary support
• Increased capacity to serve up to 756,000 flights and 150 million passengers per annum
• A brand-new terminal ‘T5X’, expanding Terminal 2 and three new satellite terminals

The investment, says Heathrow, consists of three main elements – £21 billion for the new runway and airfield infrastructure (up from £14 billion in 2018 due to construction inflation), £12 billion for new terminal and stand capacity, the brand new T5X, and £15 billion for modernising the current airport through expanding Terminal 2 and ultimately closing Terminal 3.

A third runway and supporting infrastructure can be ready within a decade, and the full investment across all terminals would take place over the coming decades.

Heathrow CEO, Thomas Woldbye, said: “It has never been more important or urgent to expand Heathrow. We are effectively operating at capacity to the detriment of trade and connectivity.

“With a green light from Government and the correct policy support underpinned by a fit for purpose regulatory model, we are ready to mobilise and start investing this year in our supply chain across the country. We are uniquely placed to do this for the country; it is time to clear the way for take-off.”

Heathrow’s proposals include more choice and capacity on public transport, such as enhanced rail capacity and walking and cycling routes, reducing local and environmental impacts.

A new road tunnel, plans for two dedicated parkways and improvements to the country’s busiest bus and coach station will make it easier than ever before to reach the airport.

Crucially, Heathrow is confirming its commitment to reach net zero by 2050, and has a deliverable plan to get there, as well as setting targets on noise reduction and air quality.

The airport is already ahead of target on its decarbonisation journey, cutting carbon from flights by around 10% since 2019, and carbon on the ground by 15% and has plans to ramp up further its world leadership on the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Heathrow’s noise footprint has reduced by 41% since 2006 and all air quality monitors around the airport are meeting limits. A third runway and redesigned airspace will give communities and passengers more certainty and reliability on flight paths.

The UK hub notes that the 100% privately financed proposal promises more choice, better value, and global reach for passengers, airlines and exporters — unlocking at least 30 new destinations, serving up to 150 million passengers on up to 756,000 flights each year, and driving down fares through increased choice and competition

It also states that expanding Heathrow would add 0.43% to the UK’s GDP with 60% of the benefit felt outside London and the South-East, and grow the UK’s most valuable port by 50%