Two decades after a Labour government last weighed in on Heathrow, the prospect of a third runway is back in debate. Rachel Reeves is anticipated to back the expansion, prioritising growth and the global economy over climate concerns, with interviewers even asking Ed Miliband if he would resign in protest.
Meanwhile, four other London-branded airports are moving ahead. Stansted and City have been granted permission to grow, while plans for Gatwick and Luton have passed through the inspectorate and await ministerial signoff.
Heathrow's new owners, including a Saudi investment fund and Ardian, want clear government endorsement before relaunching a scheme estimated at £19bn in 2015. The airport needs clarity on regulation, airspace modernisation, and planning reform.
The decisions on Gatwick and Luton are imminent. Luton's decision, due by 3 April, would allow passenger numbers to rise by 40% to 32 million per year. Gatwick's decision, due by 27 February, would extend an emergency runway, allowing over 100,000 more flights annually.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan backs Gatwick as a less troublesome alternative. Environmental and noise objections, along with logistical challenges like expanding across the M25 and demolishing villages, persist for Heathrow.
