Heathrow is the UK’s only hub airport and is operating at capacity. It's time to invest in the UK’s Gateway to Growth.
Follow our expansion journey through key moments, from early policy support to today’s plans.
The Aviation White Paper supports a third runway at Heathrow, subject to environmental conditions.
The UK Government formally approves plans for a third runway at Heathrow to support future capacity.
A change of government leads to the cancellation of plans for Heathrow expansion.
The independent Airports Commission recommends a new north-west runway at Heathrow as the preferred option.
Overwhelming cross-party support in Parliament approves the Airports National Policy Statement supporting Heathrow’s north-west runway.
Heathrow carries out statutory consultations on airport expansion and future airspace operations.
Expansion activity pauses following legal challenge (later overturned) and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Government confirms its support for Heathrow expansion.
Heathrow submits its proposals for expansion to the Government.
The Government launches a review of the Airports National Policy Statement.
Government confirms Heathrow’s scheme will inform the remainder of the Airports National Policy Statement review.
Heathrow’s Board approves investment to begin work on a planning application.
Our expansion plans would bring overall capacity up to 150 million passengers per year.
What Heathrow expansion could deliver
Heathrow, the UK’s largest port by value, supports £200bn of annual trade. Frontier Economics estimates that expansion could increase GDP by 0.43% by 2050, create thousands of jobs and expand global market access for UK businesses.
Find out moreExpanding Heathrow will deliver benefits across every UK nation and region through stronger supply chains, improved connectivity, increased investment and tourism growth. Around 60% of total economic benefit is expected to be realised outside London and the South East.
Find out moreHeathrow is the UK’s largest single site employer, supporting 80,000 jobs and maintaining strong local partnerships. Expansion would drive further local growth, create new jobs and skills opportunities, and include an ongoing commitment to community engagement.
Find out moreExpansion is not a trade off between growth and environmental responsibility. Heathrow is committed to achieving net zero by 2050 and has a clear plan in place to reach that target.
Find out moreExpansion will provide passengers with greater choice, more direct routes and lower fares. Airlines will benefit from increased growth opportunities and more efficient airport operations.
Find out moreAs the UK’s only hub airport and the largest port by value, Heathrow connects all nations and regions to global markets, trade, tourism, and investment.
