The Government is "behind" a third runway at Heathrow, Chancellor John Healey confirmed to MPs on Wednesday (11 November), ending months of uncertainty over Westminster's position on the airport's expansion plans. The announcement has no immediate effect on flights, terminals or journeys through the airport, since any new runway remains years away and subject to planning permission.
Healey was asked at the Treasury Select Committee what assessment had been made of the scheme's benefits. He replied: "So the Government is behind a third runway at Heathrow, I'm part of the Government." He added that successful airports have historically been "an engine for economic growth in the wider area", pointing to Manchester as well as parts of London, and said the detailed assessment following the recent public consultation is being led by the Department for Transport rather than the Treasury.
The comments mark a shift after Prime Minister Andy Burnham had repeatedly declined to endorse the project. Asked by the BBC in September whether he backed the plans, Burnham said: "I think principally, it's a matter for London and Londoners," adding that he wanted to hear local views before "jumping straight in" after the consultation. That hesitation had fuelled speculation that the scheme, long championed by Burnham's predecessor Sir Keir Starmer and former chancellor Rachel Reeves, could stall.
Heathrow's chief executive, Thomas Woldbye, welcomed Wednesday's statement, telling an industry conference he was "positively surprised" but "very happy" with it, and that the focus now shifts to delivery: "Everyone supports this. Now how do we get it done in the best possible way?" Woldbye has previously set a December deadline for the Government to give the scheme a green light, warning that the investors behind the privately financed project, including sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Singapore and China, could walk away without firm reassurance.
It remains unclear whether ministers favour Heathrow's own proposal for a full-length runway spanning the M25, estimated at around £33 billion, or a cheaper, shorter alternative backed by some airlines, including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, through the Arora Group. Downing Street confirmed Healey's remarks reflected the Government's position, according to the Telegraph.
For travellers, nothing changes in the short term. Heathrow continues to operate as normal, with no construction, closures or schedule changes linked to the expansion, which if approved would not open before the 2030s. What this means for your journey: current terminals, security and transport links remain unaffected while the planning process continues, so plan your trip to the airport as usual, and see our guide to [public transport](/public-transport/) for the latest on getting to and from Heathrow.