Air, Freight News


Government selects Heathrow third runway plan

[ November 26, 2025   //   ]

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has welcomed the government’s decision in favour of one of two schemes put forward earlier this year for a third Heathrow runway.

The government has come out in favour of plan developed by Heathrow itself for a new runway up to 3.5km long with a tunnel for the M25 over a rival scheme developed by Arora Group.

However, the scheme will still need a planning application and the process is not expected to be complete until about 2029.

BIFA director general, Steve Parker, said: “I realise that this is just the first step in the latest leg of what has been a very lengthy journey over several decades. Having decided on the viability of the proposals put forward, the government now needs to do everything in its power to abide by its objective to deliver an operational third runway by 2035.

“That will require swift decisions on applications for planning consent, hopefully before the end of this Parliament.

“It is now time for everyone, including politicians of all parties, to pull together in the national interest and support the bold plans to expand and improve airport infrastructure at Heathrow in order to maintain the UK’s position as Europe’s most important aviation hub.”

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