en.Wedoany.com Reported - The UK Department for Transport has launched a public consultation on the construction of a third runway at Heathrow Airport, with a final planning decision expected in 2029. The airport has stated that expansion could begin as early as the 2030s. This consultation is part of the government's push for the "fastest-ever review of a National Policy Statement."

Under the consultation framework, any expansion plan must have a clear strategy for job creation and economic benefits, while also complying with the UK's legally binding climate targets, not breaching statutory air quality limits, and ensuring that expansion does not worsen noise emissions for local residents. Planning proposals submitted by developers will be assessed against these criteria.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves gave preliminary approval to the project shortly after the Labour Party came to power in the summer of 2024. However, the cross-party Environmental Audit Committee warned last year that the airport expansion plan is inconsistent with the UK's climate change targets and places the achievement of net-zero carbon goals at "serious risk."

The Department for Transport stated that the expansion of Heathrow Airport will attract international investment, bringing "over £40 billion in benefits" to the UK. Up to 40% of the growth benefits from the expansion, once fully operational, are expected to be distributed outside London and the South East. Passengers will also benefit from direct improvements such as reduced delays, more affordable fares, and greater choice.

Heathrow is the world's busiest dual-runway airport, serving a record 84 million passengers last year. Reeves said, "Growth is this government's top priority, and this consultation is a key milestone in delivering the infrastructure the country needs. It has taken 18 months since we announced support for expansion last January—this is the fastest-ever review of a National Policy Statement."

In March, the UK Civil Aviation Authority rejected the airport's proposal to significantly increase landing fees to fund upgrades. Heathrow is currently implementing a £10 billion redevelopment plan, including the demolition of Terminal 1, renovation of Terminals 2 and 4, and the installation of an AI-powered camera network to improve punctuality. The airport recently completed an upgrade of security scanners, removing the restriction on liquids in carry-on luggage not exceeding 100ml.

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