The proposal put forward by Heathrow Airport Limited is as follows:
- A third runway of 3,500m.
- The project is privately financed with an estimated total scheme value of £49 billion (including wider Airport upgrades).
- The proposals include a new runway, new terminal capacity, cargo facilities, M25 realignment, additional car parking and an expanded public transport interchange.
- On full implementation, annual flight movements would increase from 480,000 to 756,000, with passenger capacity increasing to around 150 million per year.
- The third runway would be operational by 2039, with the full project delivered over 25–30 years.
- The project is at pre-application stage.
- An application for development consent for the proposals is expected in November 2027.
Find out more
Consultation events running between 27 October 2026 and 22 December 2026: Upcoming consultation events | Heathrow
Visit Heathrow Airport’s website: Our third runway expansion proposal | Heathrow
Subscribe to Heathrow Airport’s latest project updates: Subscribe | Heathrow
Email Heathrow Airport at: communityrelations@heathrow.com