(qlmbusinessnews.com . Mon 3rd Feb, 2025) London, UK —
Heathrow's Third Runway Could Be Operational in a Decade, Says Chancellor Rachel Reeves
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has declared that Heathrow Airport's third runway could be built and operational within the next decade, emphasising the government's commitment to fast-tracking key infrastructure projects.
Speaking to the BBC, Reeves expressed her desire to see “spades in the ground” during the current parliamentary term, with the new runway ready for planes by 2035.
“We are not just announcing that we back it. We are changing the way the planning system works to make it easier to deliver projects like the third runway at Heathrow,” she said.
Reeves dismissed concerns from London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who opposes Heathrow's expansion. “There can be judicial reviews, but we are confident that this airport expansion will happen,” she affirmed.
Complex Path to Construction
Despite Reeves' optimism, experts suggest the process could take much longer than ten years. Formal planning procedures may take up to two years, followed by potential judicial reviews, which could add another 18 months. Construction itself is projected to require seven years.
The plan faces widespread opposition from environmental campaigners, local councils, and residents living near the airport. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary dismissed the project as a “dead cat,” suggesting it wouldn't deliver growth until the 2040s or later.
The Green Party condemned the expansion as “irresponsible,” with co-leader Adrian Ramsay labelling it a “fantasy” to believe it could be achieved without significant environmental damage.
Sustainable Aviation Challenges
Reeves acknowledged concerns over emissions, stating that advancements in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and more efficient engines could mitigate environmental impacts. However, SAF remains scarce and expensive.
The UK government has introduced a Sustainable Aviation Fuel Mandate requiring 2% of all jet fuel to be SAF this year, increasing to 22% by 2040. Yet, the director-general of the International Air Transport Association, Willie Walsh, expressed doubts over how quickly these targets could be met.
“Sustainable fuel is a real thing, but we need it in significantly greater volumes than are available today,” he cautioned.
Broader Infrastructure Boost
In addition to Heathrow's expansion, Reeves announced backing for other airport projects at Luton and Gatwick, as well as a proposed “growth corridor” between Oxford and Cambridge, which she suggested could become “Europe's Silicon Valley.”
Reeves also stressed the need to streamline planning processes, citing examples like the HS2 rail line, which spent £100m on a shield to protect bats in Buckinghamshire.
“There are trade-offs, and the balance has gone too far in the direction of always protecting every bat and every newt,” Reeves remarked.
As the government faces rising borrowing costs, the Chancellor's plans aim to strike a balance between environmental protection and delivering vital infrastructure to stimulate the UK economy.
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