UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Aviation Minister Mike Kane invites Heathrow or rivals to propose a third runway to boost airport competition and drive UK economic growth by 2035.
As reported by The Standard, Mike Kane says a Heathrow rival could build and run a third runway, marking a significant first for UK airport operations. The government invites promoters to submit proposals for a new Heathrow runway this summer.
What did Mike Kane say about Heathrow’s third runway plans?
Mike Kane said,
“We have asked for Heathrow or a third party to come forward with a potential third runway proposal this summer. We will see what happens in the market. It’s not unusual with other airports across the world to have different operators operating different bits of the airport. If this were to happen it would be a first.”
He pointed out that the economic impact of the West London airport expansion is already being felt.
Mr Kane said,
“They are already starting to kick in, design teams are being procured, work is being done, the Department is gearing up.”
The minister insisted the new runway would not be a “taxpayers’ project” but declined to say who would bear the costs. Reports indicate the cost has risen sharply from £14 billion to as much as £63 billion.
Mr Kane dismissed concerns that increasing Heathrow flights from 480,000 to 720,000 annually would raise the risk of a catastrophic incident over London.
He stated,
“Our first priority is safety always and this will be designed with safety in mind. We would not take any risk with more flights.”
The minister revealed a major airspace overhaul focused on London, with legislation expected by year-end to enable a third Heathrow runway.
He highlighted how airspace reforms will lower fares and emissions, with direct routes offering major savings on fuel and carbon use.
He said,
“We know that expansion at Heathrow alone could turbocharge growth, trade and tourism and unlock over 100,000 jobs, cementing the UK, and London, as a global hub for international travel.”
Mr Kane stated,
“The problem we have at the moment, particularly in the South East, is planes take off, they plateau, they rise again, they plateau, they rise again, that’s what leads to more noise and more emissions. It’s less noise overall to go straight up.”
He added the government aims to enforce SAF usage through legislation and increase suppliers’ production.
What did Heathrow COO Javier Echave say about UK airspace reforms?
Heathrow’s chief operating officer Javier Echave stated,
“This is an important step to making UK aviation more modern, efficient, and reliable for the millions of people and businesses who rely on available airspace capacity.”
What did Paul McGuinness say about the airspace modernisation impact?
Paul McGuinness, head of the No 3rd Runway Coalition, stated,
“The outcome of airspace modernisation is to enable yet more planes to increase the adverse impact on already overflown neighbourhoods, whilst also bringing that blight to previously unaffected areas.”
What will a third runway mean for the UK’s net zero targets?
Chancellor Rachel Reeves claimed the third runway at Heathrow could align with the UK’s net zero goals, highlighting wider adoption of sustainable aviation fuel.
Research by Dr Rick Lupton, a senior lecturer in the University of Bath’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, revealed that a third runway at Heathrow would boost global warming emissions by around 30%.
Key facts about Heathrow airport
- Global hub: Heathrow connects to 230+ destinations in 90 countries, served by 90 airlines (e.g., British Airways, Virgin Atlantic).
- Record traffic: 5.7 million passengers in February 2025 (busiest February ever); 84.1 million annually (March 2024 – February 2025).
- Runway capacity:
- Two runways (Northern: 3,902m; Southern: 3,658m).
- Operating at 99% capacity – risks losing ground to rivals like Paris (4 runways), Frankfurt (4), and Amsterdam
- Expansion plans: Proposal for a third runway submitted in 2025, backed by the UK government to boost trade and growth.
- Ownership: Managed by Heathrow Airport Holdings (owners: Ardian, Qatar Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia’s PIF).
- Operations: 475,000 annual flights; top destination: New York.
- Employment: 90,000+ workers – UK’s largest single-site employer.