A new runway at Heathrow and London and the South East
Published 5 June 2018
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There is an urgent need for new runway capacity
The government’s preferred scheme for meeting the need for additional airport capacity in the south-east of England is a new north-west runway at Heathrow. This preference was reached in the national interest and will make sure the UK has the connections it needs to thrive in the global market.
We face a capacity crunch. All 5 of London’s major airports will be full by the mid-2030s, and 4 within a decade.
If they fill up, there will be less room for flights and more delays, higher fares and reduced global connectivity.
A new runway at Heathrow would bring real benefits to people across London and the South East
The government has selected the new runway that would bring the greatest benefits across the UK in the shortest time – such as new flights and opportunities for local jobs.
The government would expect the airport to maximise the employment and skills opportunities for local residents, sharing the benefits of expansion with neighbouring communities. In particular, Heathrow has pledged to drive down youth unemployment in the 5 boroughs nearest to the airport.
Heathrow expansion will mean a greater choice of airlines at Heathrow and international destinations.
The increased competition at the airport is expected to drive down fares.
We recognise the impact on local communities and expansion will not be allowed at any cost
The proposed Airports National Policy Statement sets out the planning policy framework which Heathrow would have to comply with in order to get development consent for building a new north-west runway. If designated, the airport would have to continue to consult with local communities on the scheme.
The government has been clear that any expansion must be accompanied by a world-class package for local communities, which is tough on noise and fair on compensation.
The government believes expansion can be delivered without impacting on the UK’s air quality obligations.
Heathrow expansion will not be taxpayer funded – the cost of construction and community compensation will be privately financed.