Simple Flying
Luke Bodell
01 September 2025
London Heathrow Airport's (LHR) planning costs for its third runway have reached over $1 billion, and the higher cost will likely be passed on to airlines and passengers. The airport has requested permission to raise its passenger charges to recoup money it will spend this year and next year on its submission for planning permission.
Earlier this month, Heathrow Airport revealed the total cost of expanding and modernizing the airport is now projected to reach £49 billion ($66.17 billion), of which around £21 billion ($28.36 billion) would be spent on the third runway.
Having already recouped £500 million ($675 million) related to planning costs from airlines through higher fees, the airport is attempting to do the same for an additional £320 million ($430 million) it needs to finalize obtaining planning permission. In a letter to the CAA, Heathrow argued that it "would not be able to make the necessary investments in gaining planning permission" if it cannot recoup the cost through raising fees.
Heathrow Airport's Third Runway Planning Costs Exceed $1 Billion
