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UK Approves Controversial £49 Billion Heathrow Expansion Plan

11/25/2025

Summary

Story summary

The UK government approved Heathrow's £49 billion expansion plan, including a third runway.
The expansion would raise flight movements by 57% and passenger numbers by 79% by 2035.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander says the plan would create jobs and improve connectivity.
Environmentalists oppose the expansion over displacement and disruption, while the government will update the Airports National Policy Statement before work begins, aiming to start in the parliamentary term through summer 2030.

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Story summary

The UK government approved Heathrow's £49 billion expansion plan, including a third runway.
The expansion would raise flight movements by 57% and passenger numbers by 79% by 2035.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander says the plan would create jobs and improve connectivity.
Environmentalists oppose the expansion over displacement and disruption, while the government will update the Airports National Policy Statement before work begins, aiming to start in the parliamentary term through summer 2030.