Heathrow Airport’s third runway has been fast-tracked in the Government’s £29billion makeover – meaning it could be unveiled sooner than expected.
Flights could take off from a new runway by 2035.
The new runway will open up at least 30 new daily routes and serve up to 150 million passengers, Heathrow said.
This could include dozens of routes to new destinations – including new direct flights to Peru, Indonesia, Argentina and the Philippines.
It could also mean cheaper holidays, as more competition between airlines should mean cheaper flights.
Heathrow Airport CEO Thomas Woldbye says a third runway could lower airline ticket prices, as passengers will have more choice.
The Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has launched a review of the plans, with the aim being to deliver the Heathrow expansion in 10 years’ time.
She introduced a review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) in Parliament yesterday to speed up the plans.
Heathrow Airport’s third runway has been fast-tracked in the Government’s £29billion expansion – meaning it could be unveiled sooner than expected
Heidi explained that since 2018, new environmental and climate obligations mean an updated ANPS is necessary to allow a decision to be taken on expansion planning applications.
The review will include four key tests that any proposed scheme for Heathrow expansion will have to meet.
This will include tests on climate change, noise, air quality and contribution to economic growth across the UK.
This will ensure planning applications to build a third runway progress fast enough for a final planning decision to be made within this Parliament.
The Government also aims to keep plans in line with net zero commitments, according to the GOV.UK website.
It comes after the approval of a Luton Airport expansion earlier this year and Gatwick expansion last month.
The Government is supporting aviation projects to grow the economy, provide jobs and deliver the Plan for Change.
Heidi said: ‘When we say this Government is one that backs the builders, not blockers we mean it.
The new runway will open up at least 30 new daily routes and serve up to 150 million passengers, Heathrow said
‘Today is a critical building block which will advance plans for the delivery of a third runway at Heathrow, meaning people can start to experience the full benefits sooner.
‘As our only hub airport, Heathrow is critical to the UK’s economy, connecting millions of people every year and exporting British businesses across the globe.
‘Enabling Heathrow expansion will drive economic growth and create jobs across the country, delivering on our Plan for Change.’
Thomas Woldbye said he is ‘grateful for ministers’ continued support’.
