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Thu, 03 Sep 2026

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 Heathrow expansion an 'outdated' risk, mayor says

Sir Sadiq Khan is repeating his opposition to a third runway in response to a government consultation.

* London Mayor Sadiq Khan has formally opposed plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport, citing concerns over environmental targets and transport networks.
* The mayor claims that the strategic case for expansion relies on outdated evidence and fails to take into account current climate laws and travel habits.
* City Hall estimates that additional flights could generate 60,000 daily highway trips, add 22 million road journeys annually to the M4 and M25, and reduce predictable noise respite periods for local residents from 50% to 25% of the day.
* The mayor's stance is backed by a coalition of London and home counties council leaders, but opposed by the Back Heathrow campaign which claims that expansion would bring jobs, trade, and economic growth.
* The government has said it will "carefully consider all responses" before making a decision on the expansion plans, with a final decision expected in 2029.