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UK moves ahead with Heathrow Airport expansion plan
The 10-week consultation sets four tests for expansion, including climate and noise limits, as ministers say the project could add 45 million passengers a year.
- Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander launched a 10-week consultation on Thursday regarding the renamed Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement , outlining conditions required for the proposed third runway to receive approval.
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves and the government describe the expansion as "critical" for national growth, projecting it could deliver more than £40 billion in benefits and support over 60,000 local jobs across the UK.
- The HENPS requires applicants to meet four tests: aligning with legally binding climate targets, avoiding new air quality breaches, and ensuring noise emissions do not exceed 2024 levels, with reductions where possible.
- Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye welcomed the announcement as "progress," while London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan opposed the plan, citing the "severe impact it would have on noise, air pollution and ability to meet climate change targets."
- With the consultation concluding in August, the government targets a 2029 planning decision and a 2035 runway completion, though critics like MP Munira Wilson argue officials are "rushing" the process.
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AirportsUK responds to the government’s draft national policy statement on Heathrow expansion
The UK government has today (Thursday) published a draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS) to replace the previous Airports National Policy Statement. This aims to provide the framework against which any third runway proposals at Heathrow Airport will be judged and will now be subject to a process of public consultation until Tuesday 1 September 2026. Commenting on the publication, Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK (pic…
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