Government publishes final proposal for Heathrow third runway

Construction of the planned new north-west runway, which will be entirely privately financed, could create an extra 16 million long-haul seats by 2040, the government said. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has been asked by the government to identify potential cost savings on the project to ensure that the scheme remains affordable, and to keep airport charges as close as possible to current levels.

The government's proposed Airports National Policy Statement (NPS) sets out details of the requirements that Heathrow will have to meet in order to be granted development consent for the new runway, including in relation to air quality and noise. It also sets out the £2.6 billion package of compensation, noise insulation and public amenity improvements available to communities and local residents affected by the project.

The new runway could be completed by 2026, transport secretary Chris Grayling told the UK parliament, which is expected to vote on the draft NPS in the next few weeks.

"The time for action is now," he said in a statement.

"Heathrow is already full and the evidence shows the remaining London airports won't be far behind. Despite being the busiest two-runway airport in the world, Heathrow's capacity constraints mean it is falling behind its global competitors – impacting the UK's economy and global trading opportunities," he said.

"Expansion at Heathrow will bring real benefits across the country including a boost of up to £74 billion to passengers and the wider economy, providing better connections to growing world markets, and increasing flights to more long haul destinations. Heathrow is a nationally significant freight hub, carrying more freight by value than all other UK airports combined. AS third runway would enable it nearly to double its current freight capacity," he said.

The government announced its support for a third runway at Heathrow Airport in October 2016, following a recommendation from the independent Airports Commission chaired by Sir Howard Davies in 2015. Its final proposed form of the NPS takes into account public and industry feedback to two earlier consultations, and accepts 24 out of 25 recommendations made by the House of Commons Transport Committee in its report of March 2018.

Once the NPS is approved by parliament, it will be formally designated by the Secretary of State. Heathrow Airport can then develop the details of a scheme that accords with the policy in the NPS and obtain development consent for that scheme in the usual way. This process will include a public examination and report by the independent Planning Inspectorate before the final decision is made by government and work can begin.

The NPS incorporates the government's previously-announced ban on night flights using the new runway for at least a 6.5 hour period. Heathrow and airlines will be expected to work with local communities to set out respite proposals as part of the consultation on their proposals. The government also intends to set up a new independent commission on civil aviation noise, to act as a link between airport operators, airlines and local communities on noise issues.

The government has also published a document calling on all UK airports to make best use of their existing capacity as part of its wider aviation strategy. This document recognises that it will take a number of years before any new runway at Heathrow becomes operational. Local planning authorities will be required to consider any proposals on their individual merits, taking particular account of the economic and environmental impacts.