UK Accelerates Heathrow Third Runway Plans with 2026 ANPS Review

The UK government, led by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, has launched a review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) to accelerate the planning and approval process for Heathrow Airport's third runway, aiming for a decision within the current Parliament and flights to begin by 2035. This review updates the framework to reflect new environmental and climate obligations, ensuring compliance with climate change, noise, air quality, and economic growth criteria, and includes consultation with the Climate Change Committee to align with net zero targets. Two competing proposals—one from Heathrow Airport Limited and another from the Arora Group—remain under consideration, with a preferred scheme expected by November. The government emphasizes that the expansion will be privately financed, contribute to economic growth, and create jobs, while also addressing concerns about construction impacts such as potential disruptions to major roads near Heathrow. Critics remain skeptical, accusing the government of favoring expansion without sufficient independent analysis. The government seeks to streamline judicial reviews and accelerate infrastructure delivery to realize the benefits of expanded airport capacity sooner.