Heathrow Airport's third runway is now expected to open in 2039, a four-year delay from the previously targeted 2035, according to sources familiar with the matter. The airport's leadership has informed the government that meeting the original deadline is no longer feasible.
Timeline Shift and Government Reaction
The revised timeline follows former Chancellor Rachel Reeves' announcement in January, which set the 2035 target and was described as ambitious at the time. Reeves used a major infrastructure speech to express government support for the project as an economic growth measure, projecting at least 100,000 jobs would be created.
A Department for Transport spokesperson acknowledged the timeline's ambition, stating: “There is currently no live planning application for a third runway, and we cannot comment on ongoing consultation processes or prejudice them in a way that will only delay progress. The timeline has always been ambitious. We’ll continue to work with promoters, including Heathrow, and all other stakeholders at pace to ensure the right framework is in place for which a planning application for a third runway could be considered.”
Political Opposition and Support
The delay comes amid political debate over airport expansion. Last month, Andy Burnham was advised by a senior London Assembly Member to reject London airport expansions and instead invest in major hubs in northern England. Assembly Members have called for reconsideration due to environmental concerns and impacts on local residents.
The new Prime Minister has previously expressed opposition to investing in London airports, citing the Heathrow third runway as an example of diverting infrastructure investment away from the North. However, in August, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, formerly Deputy Mayor to Sir Sadiq Khan, indicated government support for “expansion that supports growth and our climate goals,” suggesting no policy reversal.
Airport's Position and Job Creation
Heathrow aims to secure planning permission by 2029, maintaining that a decade is a reasonable timeframe for construction. Bosses believe faster delivery is possible but may require further regulatory reforms beyond those already made to planning law.
A Heathrow spokesperson said: “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% privately financed, which will support growth today and secure the UK’s position in the global economy once the runway opens.”
The project, which is fully privately financed, promises at least 108,000 new jobs and significant investment in supply chains nationwide. The airport continues to work with government stakeholders to establish a framework for the planning application.
