ANPS review launched to speed up decision on Heathrow third runway

The government has begun a formal review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), restarting the process that could lead to approval for a third runway at Heathrow by providing the framework within which any future expansion will be considered.

image: Heathrow Airport

The updated policy framework will set out how any Heathrow expansion proposal must address four tests: climate impact, air quality, noise, and national economic benefit. The government aims to complete the review and make a final decision within this Parliament, with flights from a new runway expected by 2035 if the project proceeds.

The last ANPS process, finalised in 2018, took five years. This review is intended to be completed about three years faster, with a draft version for public consultation expected by summer 2026. The Climate Change Committee will advise on how the revised policy aligns with the UK’s net zero commitments.

Two rival schemes are still under consideration — one from Heathrow Airport Limited and another from the Arora Group. Both must submit detailed proposals outlining environmental, community, and investment impacts. The government plans to select a single preferred scheme by the end of November 2025.

Any final expansion must be fully financed by the private sector, with no direct cost to taxpayers, and include funding for related transport improvements. Ministers are also considering designating Heathrow expansion as “critical national infrastructure,” which would require enhanced security and resilience measures.

Announcing the review in Parliament, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said, “Today is a critical building block which will advance plans for the delivery of a third runway at Heathrow. As our only hub airport, Heathrow is critical to the UK’s economy, connecting millions of people every year and exporting British businesses across the globe.”

The review follows recent approvals for airport expansions at Luton and Gatwick. Alongside the Heathrow process, the government is introducing airspace reforms and a new Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill to reduce emissions from aviation and support domestic fuel production.

The government is also pressing ahead with wider reforms to the UK’s planning systems, including the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which will streamline the delivery of major infrastructure projects through faster consenting routes and more balanced consultations. 

Work is also underway with the judiciary to cut the time it takes for reviews to move through the court system for nationally significant infrastructure projects and national policy statements to ensure projects can be realised more swiftly.