Heathrow Airport is once again attempting to push forward on its plan for a third runway, exploring ways to cut costs and so make the project more palatable.
The latest proposal, according to an article in the Financial Times, involves a shorter third runway that would avoid expensive infrastructure changes, such as diverting the M25 motorway into a tunnel and razing hundreds of homes to the ground.
The airport is preparing a detailed proposal to present to the government by the summer, after Chancellor Rachel Reeves reaffirmed the Labour government’s commitment to expanding Heathrow as part of its broader economic growth strategy.
While Heathrow’s management is reassessing how to deliver the project at a lower cost, opponents argue that no amount of revision will make it acceptable. Local communities, environmental groups, and politicians have fought against the expansion for years, warning of increased noise, air pollution, and the project’s incompatibility with the UK’s climate goals.
Shorter runway is cheaper but also constrained
The previous master plan would have cost £14bn but was shelved in 2020 due to the pandemic. That proposal included major infrastructure overhauls, such as diverting the M25, demolishing 750 homes, a primary school, and an energy plant. Heathrow’s management still favours the “north-west runway” plan but the airport is also considering modifying the project to reduce costs. One option is to build a shorter third runway to avoid the need for a new motorway tunnel, though this could limit operational flexibility, as some aircraft may not be able to use it.
Despite Heathrow’s persistent efforts, opposition remains steadfast. Local councils, environmental organisations, and MPs representing affected constituencies have consistently challenged the expansion, both politically and through the courts, although Putney MP Fleur Anderson has been notably quiet about the issue since it was resurrected by chancellor Reeves in January.
Groups such as Friends of the Earth and the No Third Runway Coalition have vowed to continue their resistance, highlighting the environmental damage and disruption to communities that an expanded Heathrow would bring. Legal battles have stalled progress before, and campaigners are prepared to fight again if necessary.
Same wine, different bottle?
The north-west runway was the preferred option in the government’s 2018 Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), but making significant modifications to the plan could require rewriting the ANPS, adding years to an already delayed project. Heathrow’s leadership argues that after a change in ownership and a new chief executive, it is necessary to reassess the best way forward However, critics see these renewed efforts as yet another attempt to push through a deeply unpopular project by repackaging old plans with minor tweaks.
Last month, Heathrow outlined a “phased expansion programme” that would begin with site improvements and ultimately “lay the groundwork for a third runway.” The airport said it will only move forward if the government agrees to reform planning laws, airspace management, and financial regulations governing the airport’s operations.
“The government has been clear, expanding Heathrow will bring huge economic benefits to the whole country. We are looking at our plans for how to deliver this privately funded project and will present them to the government this summer,” the airport said in a statement.
Airlines not happy
Currently, Heathrow is allowed to recoup expansion costs by charging airlines greater landing fees – which are then passed onto passengers through ticket prices. The airlines are concerned at what these costs may be, with both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic asking the Civil Aviation Authority to review the airport’s funding model, and Emirates has warned it may sue if any resulting costs are too high.
This latest iteration of Heathrow’s expansion plan is unlikely to be its last. With decades of failed attempts, strong opposition, and legal barriers standing in the way, the battle over a third runway at Heathrow is far from over.
