Heathrow third runway project faces potential four-year delay to 2039

Heathrow said at the weekend that the project could be delayed by four years. The third runway may now not become operational until 2039.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Sunday declined to back plans for a third runway at Heathrow. He said that the decision should first take into account the views of people living near London's main airport. Burnham, at the start of the governing Labour Party's annual conference, said the issue was primarily a matter for London, BBC reported. The government under his predecessor, former prime minister Keir Starmer, had backed Heathrow's expansion plans last year. "I think, principally, it's a matter for London," Burnham told the BBC in an interview at the start of the governing Labour Party's annual conference. "I think you've got to hear the voice of people there first. It's not right for me to just jump straight in on the back of the consultation."

Heathrow expansion faces fresh uncertainty

Burnham's comments add to the long-running political debate over Heathrow's proposed third runway, which has divided politicians for around two decades. Heathrow said at the weekend that the project could be delayed by four years. The third runway may now not become operational until 2039. The expansion still faces a lengthy planning process before construction can begin.

Heathrow operating near capacity

Heathrow currently operates at about 99% of its capacity, while other major European airports have more runways. Paris Charles de Gaulle and Frankfurt each have four runways, while Amsterdam's Schiphol has six. The airport is located about 15 miles (24 km) west of London and has long faced opposition from nearby residents. Critics have raised concerns over aircraft noise, safety risks from flights over densely populated areas and the impact of increased carbon emissions. The debate over the third runway therefore remains tied to both Heathrow's capacity constraints and concerns among communities living around the airport.