Tue, 25 Nov 2025

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 Heathrow's plan for longer third runway chosen by government

Under the selected plan, the runway would be up to 3.5km long and require a new road tunnel under the airport.

* Heathrow Airport's plan for a third runway, which involves moving the M25 motorway, has been chosen by the government.
* Two plans were under consideration: one from Heathrow and another from Arora Group led by hotel tycoon Surinder Arora.
* The Arora plan would have involved a shorter runway at a lower cost without altering the M25.
* The government chose Heathrow's plan because it offered the "most deliverable option" with a greater likelihood of getting a decision on planning approval within this parliament.
* The chosen plan will inform the government's review of the Airports National Policy Statement, and Heathrow is expected to apply for planning permission in 2029.
* Any company can submit an application to build the new runway and terminals at the site.
* The project is expected to cost £49bn and includes: + A new runway up to 3.5km long + A new road tunnel under the airport + Expansion of existing terminals
* Environmental groups, politicians, and local residents have expressed opposition to the plan citing concerns about noise and air pollution.
* Business groups have backed the expansion, saying it will bring benefits for businesses and exporters by opening up access to markets and encouraging investment.
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