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Heathrow Warns Third Runway Won’t Open Before 2039

By Drooid · Sep 27, 2026, 3:00 PM UTC · How we work

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Heathrow delays until 2039

Minister Andy Burnham said he would not comment on Heathrow’s third runway after reports it could be delayed by four years.
Heathrow later warned the runway may not be operational before 2039, noting decade-long polls show increasing public support for the expansion.
Former Chancellor Rachel Reeves had championed the project, aiming for an opening by 2035.
Campaigners, groups and Mayor Sadiq Khan oppose the runway, citing home demolitions and M25 rerouting.

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Labour champions jobs

Prime Minister Andy Burnham told BBC he would not state a position on Heathrow’s third runway.
The Labour government under Sir Keir Starmer backs the project as economic growth, highlighting Heathrow’s projection of 108,000 jobs and billions in supply-chain investment.
Burnham said the decision should be left to Londoners, awaiting the consultation’s results.
Heathrow executives warned the 2035 target is years out, aiming for planning permission by 2029.

History

Historical Context

In 1979 an agreement barred a Heathrow second runway until 2019, reflecting earlier opposition to expansion. A 2009 third-runway proposal survived a 2010 coalition cancellation, gained the Airports Commission’s 2015 backing and a 415-119 Commons vote in 2018, before courts blocked it until the 2020 Supreme Court lift. Labour’s 2024 plan now meets opposition from Mayor Sadiq Khan.

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Heathrow delays until 2039

Minister Andy Burnham said he would not comment on Heathrow’s third runway after reports it could be delayed by four years.
Heathrow later warned the runway may not be operational before 2039, noting decade-long polls show increasing public support for the expansion.
Former Chancellor Rachel Reeves had championed the project, aiming for an opening by 2035.
Campaigners, groups and Mayor Sadiq Khan oppose the runway, citing home demolitions and M25 rerouting.

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