Story perspectives

Heathrow expansion stalls as Burnham rules out support

By Drooid · Sep 28, 2026, 9:56 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he will not state support for a third Heathrow runway.
Burnham said the decision must heed public consultation and community worries about noise, air pollution and health.
Heathrow aims to secure planning permission by 2029 and open the runway by 2039, later than 2035.
A Department for Transport paper warned the expansion could cause health effects and reduce passenger numbers at other UK airports.

History

Historical Context

In the 1970s the government rejected Heathrow expansion; the 2003 white paper and Geoff Hoon’s 2009 endorsement revived a third runway, the 2010 coalition cancelled it, and the 2015 Airports Commission again recommended a north-west runway. Parliament later approved the plan by a 415-119 vote, a precedent shaping today’s debate with Mayor Andy Burnham and the Department for Transport.

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Story summary

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he will not state support for a third Heathrow runway.
Burnham said the decision must heed public consultation and community worries about noise, air pollution and health.
Heathrow aims to secure planning permission by 2029 and open the runway by 2039, later than 2035.
A Department for Transport paper warned the expansion could cause health effects and reduce passenger numbers at other UK airports.

1 / 2