Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed that a revised Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) will be drafted within the current parliamentary term to accelerate Heathrow’s long-awaited third runway. The move aims to deliver “full economic benefits sooner” by cutting two years from the consenting timetable. A public consultation is pencilled in for summer 2026, with a final decision before the next general election.
The updated ANPS must satisfy Labour’s four tests on climate, noise, air-quality and economic value. Competing blueprints from Heathrow Airport Ltd and the Arora Group will be reviewed, with a preferred scheme selected in November 2025. The Department for Transport insists the £50 billion project will be privately financed; environmental groups are sceptical, citing rising costs and the sector’s net-zero commitments.
For global mobility professionals, a third runway promises additional long-haul slots and increased frequency to secondary markets—potentially reducing travel time for rotational assignees and cargo lead times for relocation shipments. However, uncertainty remains over construction phasing and carbon-offset requirements, which could add cost to corporate travel programmes.
With Gatwick and Luton expansions already approved, the government is signalling a pro-growth aviation stance, but final sign-off will hinge on whether sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) can scale quickly and cheaply enough to offset extra emissions.
The updated ANPS must satisfy Labour’s four tests on climate, noise, air-quality and economic value. Competing blueprints from Heathrow Airport Ltd and the Arora Group will be reviewed, with a preferred scheme selected in November 2025. The Department for Transport insists the £50 billion project will be privately financed; environmental groups are sceptical, citing rising costs and the sector’s net-zero commitments.
For global mobility professionals, a third runway promises additional long-haul slots and increased frequency to secondary markets—potentially reducing travel time for rotational assignees and cargo lead times for relocation shipments. However, uncertainty remains over construction phasing and carbon-offset requirements, which could add cost to corporate travel programmes.
With Gatwick and Luton expansions already approved, the government is signalling a pro-growth aviation stance, but final sign-off will hinge on whether sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) can scale quickly and cheaply enough to offset extra emissions.
