Green Light for Third Runway Planning Application at Heathrow

• Content
• Products & Projects
• Green Light for Third Runway Planning Application at Heathrow

29 January 2026 | Updated 27 January 2026

Heathrow has approved new investment to begin work on a planning application for a third runway.

The airport says construction of a third runway would see billions of pounds of private investment flow to businesses in every region of the UK, while increased capacity would boost competition, strengthen airline networks and enhance the UK’s global trading links.

The government has set the timetable to secure planning permission by 2029 and bring a third runway into operation in a decade. Heathrow’s shareholders continue to strongly support expansion and the project will only proceed once the necessary regulatory and policy frameworks are firmly in place. Decisions on these key issues are expected throughout 2026.

In spring 2026, clarity is required from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on how early costs can be recovered.

Over the summer, the Department for Transport will publish the draft Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) and the CAA will decide on the long-term regulatory model which will determine if private investment will be forthcoming.

In the autumn, Parliament will be asked to decide on the final ANPS – a decision which will set the planning framework for the project and put the UK on course for first flights from a third runway in a decade.

Costain is currently working to deliver asset renewals and construction projects at Heathrow and last month was selected to deliver infrastructure to support a new baggage system at Terminal 2.

Heathrow CEO, Thomas Woldbye, said: “This decision means we are on track to secure planning permission by 2029 and reflects Ministers’ renewed commitment to expansion and progress made to speed up delivery of the project to boost UK economic growth.”

Jonathan Willcock, Managing Director - Transportation, at Costain, said: “Increasing Heathrow’s capacity will support skills development, create jobs and boost trade, all of which are critical in enabling a more economically prosperous and resilient future.”

Picture: An image of the front of Heathrow Airport.

Article written by Dave Mapps | Published 29 January 2026

Share

---

---

Related Articles

---