Heathrow’s third runway delayed amid significant challenges: What to know
Heathrow airport’s third runway is delayed by four years and it will not be operational until 2039
Heathrow’s plans for a third runway are reportedly to be delayed by four years with the project now expected to be completed by 2039.
According to airport chiefs, it will not be possible to reach the current 2035 deadline to complete the £49bn expansion. At present, the future of the expansion has been stalled by uncertainty about Andy Burnham’s commitment to the project.
The Prime Minister has not issued a public statement about Heathrow since taking office and has told MPs he has always objected to the proposal due to potential investment diversion.
Heathrow said it was primarily prioritizing planning approval by 2029 with a spokesman adding, “ Once achieved the runway will be open within a decade.”
The Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander has insisted that a third runway at Heathrow is compatible with zero following backlash regarding the expansion from the government’s climate advisory body.
She said economy-wide targets should not halt the construction of another runway because the impact of additional flights could be counterbalanced through systematic efficiencies.
Furthermore, a Heathrow spokesperson shared remarks stating, “It’s right that ambitious targets were set, the sooner expansion begins the sooner the whole UK will benefit. Our focus has always been to secure planning permission by 2029. Once achieved the runway will be open within a decade – and the benefits of expansion can be felt from today.”
“At least 108,000 new jobs and billions invested in supply chains in every part of the country. This is a national project, 100 per cent privately financed which will support growth today and secure the UK’s position in the global economy once the runway opens.”
