Heathrow third runway: A complete timeline of events leading up to proposed expansion
Heathrow third runway: A complete timeline of events leading up to proposed expansion
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves has declared that the Government is in favour of a third runway at Heathrow Airport on Wednesday. The expansion of Europe's busiest airport, according to Ms Reeves, is “badly needed” to link the UK with the rest of the world and provide new business prospects.
![[Reeves looks to the skies in search of economic growth with support for Heathrow]](https://static.standard.co.uk/2025/01/29/12/3a70bc2b0ee4c576248187de32608b8bY29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzM4MjM5MTIw-2.78831533.jpg?crop=8:5,smart&quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
She argued that a third runway will “unlock further growth, boost investment, increase exports, and make the UK more open and more connected”. This comes as the chancellor is under increasing pressure to fulfil the Government’s primary promise to expand the UK economy and raise living standards.
![[Rachel Reeves backs 'badly needed' third Heathrow runway... and flies into row with Sadiq Khan ]](https://static.standard.co.uk/2025/01/29/12/52/khanreeves290125.jpeg?crop=8:5,smart&quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
More than 100,000 jobs might be created by an expansion, according to Ms Reeves. Some business associations have applauded the move, while the Labour mayor of London Sadiq Khan, the Liberal Democrats, and environmental organisations have expressed their disapproval.
![[Business groups welcome Reeves’ growth plans but remain ‘concerned’ about Budget]](https://static.standard.co.uk/2025/01/29/12/6e1fe590deb65540c38e7b3c87a2731bY29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzM4MjM4MDc2-2.78831050.jpg?crop=8:5,smart&quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
The Government plans to “ensure a third runway is delivered in line with our legal, environmental, and climate objectives” by conducting a “full assessment” through the Airport National Policy Statement after soliciting proposals through the summer.
![[Chancellor Rachel Reeves makes major announcement on £9billion Lower Thames Crossing]](https://static.standard.co.uk/2024/10/04/15/4428df509463187ec72835cc457e61b3Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzI4MTM2MjE2-2.39030121.jpg?crop=8:5,smart&quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
According to Ms Reeves, the Government anticipates that private money will cover any related surface transportation expenses related to the development of the third runway. The expansion of the west London airport has been long-running saga so here’s a breakdown of key events you need to know about.
