Heathrow airports awaits "clarity" on regulatory model

LONDON - Heathrow airport approved new investment to begin work on a planning application for a third runway, marking a "significant step forward" for one of Britain's most important growth project. The airport expects several key decisions from authorities over the next few months.

Heathrow airport proceeds with a 3,500m northwestern runway project - a concept that already received Government support late 2025 - and additional infrastructure.

"The Government has set the timetable to secure planning permission by 2029 and bring a third runway into operation in a decade," the airport said. "Decisions on these key issues are expected throughout 2026."

By spring 2026, "clarity" is required from the Civil Aviation Authority on how early costs can be recovered. Over the summer, the Department for Transportation will publish the draft Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) and the CAA will decide on the long-term regulatory model.

Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said: "Heathrow expansion is taking another significant step forward today as our Board greenlights starting work on the planning application," Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said. "This decision means we are on track to secure planning permission by 2029."