Heathrow’s third runway is set to be completed by 2029, according to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who has vowed to deliver the ambitious project despite opposition from environmental groups and local authorities.
The construction of Heathrow’s third runway can be completed within 10 years, according to Chancellor Rachel Reeves. The ambitious plan aims to have the new runway operational by 2035, with ‘spades in the ground‘ in the current Parliament.
Construction on Heathrow's third runway was approved in 2018, but the project has faced significant opposition due to environmental concerns.
The expansion is expected to increase capacity by 25%, but critics argue it will lead to increased noise pollution and carbon emissions.
In 2020, a government-commissioned report estimated the project would cost £14 billion and take over a decade to complete.
Proponents argue the expansion is necessary for economic growth and to meet increasing air travel demand.
Reeves expressed confidence that the project will move forward despite opposition from environmental groups and local authorities. When asked about the possibility of Sadiq Khan, the Labour Mayor of London, blocking the expansion, Reeves replied firmly: ‘no.‘ She emphasized that while judicial reviews may be possible, the government is confident in its ability to deliver the project.
The extra runway at Heathrow is part of a broader package of infrastructure projects announced by the chancellor as part of the government’s plans to boost economic growth. These initiatives include expansions at Luton and Gatwick airports, as well as a ‘growth corridor‘ between Oxford and Cambridge that Reeves claims could become ‘Europe’s Silicon Valley.‘
Located in West London, Heathrow Airport (LHR) is one of the world's busiest airports.
It serves over 80 million passengers annually and offers flights to over 180 destinations worldwide.
The airport has six terminals and a vast network of transportation links, including the Tube, buses, and trains.
Heathrow is a major cargo hub, handling over 1.7 million tons of freight per year.
Its strategic location and extensive facilities make it a vital component of global air travel.
However, not everyone shares Reeves‘ optimism about the third runway‘s prospects. Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride stated that while the Conservatives support the project in principle, its completion is far from certain. He estimated that it may take until the 2040s or 2050s for the new runway to become operational.
The Green Party has also voiced strong opposition to Heathrow’s expansion, labeling it ‘the definition of irresponsible.‘ The party’s co-leader, Adrian Ramsay, argued that the project would inevitably result in environmental damage. Reeves was questioned about her previous stance on airport expansions, particularly regarding Leeds-Bradford Airport, where she had expressed concerns over air and noise pollution.
In response to these criticisms, Reeves highlighted advancements in technology, including more efficient plane engines and sustainable aviation fuels. However, the availability of these fuels is currently extremely limited, with only 0.05% of fuel used in the EU in 2020 being sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The UK government has introduced a Sustainable Aviation Fuel Mandate, which requires 2% of all jet fuel supplied this year to be SAF, increasing to 10% by 2030 and 22% by 2040.
The director-general of the International Air Transport Association, Willie Walsh, cast doubt on the feasibility of achieving these targets. He emphasized that sustainable fuels are a ‘real thing‘ but noted that significantly greater volumes than those available today would be necessary.
Reeves‘ growth plan has come under scrutiny from within her own party, with some arguing that tax rises and changes to employment rights will hinder economic growth. The Resolution Foundation, a leading economic think tank, warned that higher borrowing costs for the government may necessitate tax increases or spending cuts to adhere to its self-imposed fiscal rules.
A Treasury spokesperson reaffirmed the government’s commitment to its fiscal rules, stating: ‘Our commitment is non-negotiable.‘
