Keir Starmer backs third Heathrow runway in £60bn push to expand UK airports

By Nub News Reporter 31st Jul 2025

Plans for a third runway at Heathrow could bring 66 million more passengers a year, but face local opposition (credit: Nub News).
Plans for a third runway at Heathrow could bring 66 million more passengers a year, but face local opposition (credit: Nub News).

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is preparing to unveil plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport.

The move is part of the government's biggest airport expansion drive in decades, with ministers saying they will do "whatever it takes" to get spades in the ground by 2030.

Heathrow is expected to formally submit its latest third runway proposals this week, which could include rerouting the M25 through a tunnel under the new runway.

The project is estimated to cost between £45 and £60 billion.

The runway would allow up to 276,000 additional flights per year, potentially increasing Heathrow's capacity to more than 750,000 flights annually and bringing in 66 million extra passengers.

The debate over a third runway has been ongoing for more than 20 years, facing legal challenges and public opposition, particularly in communities under Heathrow's flight paths, including Twickenham, Richmond, Kew and Teddington.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan remains firmly opposed to the expansion and has indicated he may mount a legal challenge.

Sir Keir Starmer, however, sees airport growth as key to boosting the economy.

His government is also expected to approve a second runway at Gatwick and launch a complete redesign of UK airspace to reduce flight delays and improve efficiency.

Ministers are also preparing to limit legal challenges against infrastructure projects.

Under the new rules, campaigners and local residents would only have two chances to request judicial review, which is down from three.

As part of the expansion strategy, the government will create a new Airspace Design Service, aiming to modernise flight corridors across the UK for the first time since the 1950s.

The changes would directly affect flight routes in and out of Heathrow and could increase efficiency, but may also bring noise to previously unaffected areas.

A consultation will follow, led by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, before a final decision is made on Heathrow's development consent.

We want to provide Twickenham with more and more clickbait-free local news. To do that, we need a loyal newsletter following. Help us survive and sign up for our free weekly newsletter by clicking the link HERE.

     

CHECK OUT OUR Jobs Section HERE!
twickenham vacancies updated hourly!
Click here to see more: twickenham jobs

     

The Ball is in your court. Our long-term GOAL
is to help our local community to grow.

On our part, we are making a connection between local news, local people and local businesses.
This connection is the key to community success.

Now the ball is in your court.
You can support us with a small payment or at least read us for free.
Take a shot yourself and then pass the ball to your friends!
Monthly supporters will enjoy:
Ad-free experience

Share:


Sign-up for our FREE newsletter...

We want to provide twickenham with more and more clickbait-free news.

     

...or become a Supporter.
Twickenham. Your Town. Your News.

Local news is essential for our community — but it needs your support.
Your donation makes a real difference.
For monthly donators:
Ad-free experience