Heathrow kicks off third runway pre-planning design work

Construction Enquirer
Aaron Morby
15 Jan 2026

Heathrow Airport has approved funding to begin work on a planning application for its long-planned third runway.

The decision clears the way for detailed planning work as the airport works towards securing consent by 2029.

Despite the board backing, the airport stressed the project will only proceed once a clear regulatory and policy framework is locked in.

Shareholders continue to support expansion, but a sequence of decisions next year will determine whether the scheme can move into its next phase.

In spring 2026, the Civil Aviation Authority is expected to confirm how early development costs can be recovered.

Over the summer, the Department for Transport will publish a draft Airports National Policy Statement, alongside a CAA decision on the long-term regulatory model needed to attract private investment.

Heathrow kicks off third runway pre-planning design work | Construction Enquirer News| 15 Jan 2026