The Government has said that it is aiming to make a decision between two proposed schemes to deliver a third runway at Heathrow Airport by the 'end of November'.

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander today (Wednesday), announced that the Government is launching a review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), which provides the framework within which any future airport expansion will be considered.

Speaking in the House of Commons earlier today, Ms Alexander said the Government are ‘committed’ to making a decision on the controversial proposals for a third runway at the airport ‘within this Parliament’.

This includes an ambition to see flights taking off from the new runway in 2035.

Speaking in the chamber, Ms Alexander said that seven proposals received to deliver the third runway were considered, and two potential schemes ‘remain under active consideration’.

In July, the Government received initial proposals from Heathrow Airport for a 3,500m third runway, expected to cost £49billion.

A rival bid has also been submitted by Arora Group to create a shorter 2,800m runway.

“We are seeking further information on the two proposed schemes with a view to reaching a final decision on a single scheme to inform the remainder of the ANPS review by the end of November,” she said.

In making the decision, the Government will consider several factors, including the plans for transport both to and from the airport as well as associated road schemes and the impact on surrounding homes and communities.

The ANPS was launched and review in 2018, under the previous Conservative Government.

Ms Alexander explained: “Our review of the ANPS will ensure that while we unlock long-term capacity for more flights at the nation’s only hub airport, we will also meet our obligations to passengers, communities and the environment.

“Expansion at Heathrow must minimise cost for passengers and customers. The taxpayer must not be expected to foot the bill.

“That is why the scheme will be privately financed—both the core project and the related infrastructure improvements.

“Extra staff and passengers must be able to get to and from the airport without turning the M4 and M25 into Europe’s largest car park.

“Crucially, the expansion must align with our legal, environmental and climate commitments.”

Ms Alexander added that beginning the review of the ANPS is ‘critical to delivering expansion’ and will provide the basis for decisions ‘on any future planning applications’.

She explained that the world has changed since 2018, with new climate and environmental obligations being introduced and travel patterns changing.

“In carrying out this review, we will consider how any proposed scheme must meet four clear tests,” she said.

These include how the scheme contributes to economic growth in the country, meets air quality obligations, is consistent with noise commitments and aligns with legal obligations on climate change – including net zero.

The Government will seek the independent opinion of the Climate Change Committee as part of its work, she said.

It will also develop analysis on the environmental and economic impacts of expansion, over the coming months and will undertake an appraisal of sustainability.

“If amendments are needed to the ANPS as a result of the review, we expect to consult on an amended policy statement by next summer,” she added.

Ms Alexander said that the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will ‘streamline the delivery of major infrastructure, including Heathrow’, and the Government will work with the judiciary to reduce the time it takes for a review to move through the court system for national policy statements and ‘nationally significant infrastructure projects’.

The Government will also work with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to review the framework for economic regulation ‘for capacity expansion at Heathrow, ensuring the model provides strong incentives for cost-effective delivery’.

She added: “We expect the CAA to publish a working paper in November, with a view to that work completing next summer.

“This is a landmark opportunity for Heathrow, for the aviation sector and for the UK economy.

“The Government remain fully committed to ensuring the expansion is delivered in a way that is timely, cost-efficient and environmentally responsible.”

A scheme to take forward the major project to deliver a new third runway at Heathrow Airport has been chosen, the Government has announced.

In October, Labours transport secretary Heidi Alexander said the Government was aiming to decide between two schemes by the end of November.

Today (Tuesday), Ms Alexander confirmed that Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) proposal has been chosen to be used to progress the controversial project.

In total, seven proposals were received to deliver the new runway, but only two were actively considered by the Government.

This included HALs proposal, received in July, for a 3,500m third runway, expected to cost £49billlion.

The scheme also looks to create a new terminal complex to the west of Heathrow Terminal 5, provide upgraded supporting infrastructure and move a section of the M25 motorway

A rival bid had also been submitted by Arora Group to build a shorter 2,800m runway.

Following a request for more information in October from both parties, the Government has assessed that HAL proposals offer the most deliverable option and provide the greatest likelihood of meeting its ambition to have decision on a development consent application within this Parliament.

The proposal will shape the review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), which is the framework in which the planning decision on the expansion will be made.

The ANPS review was launched last month to consider airport expansion, in light of the new climate and environmental obligations.

It also set out the Governments criteria on considering future planning applications.

Any amendments to the ANPS will be subject to a consultation in summer 2026.

The Government has stated that the selection of the scheme is to inform the remainder of the ANPS review and does not represent a final decision on a third runway scheme or design.

The exact details, including the length of the third runway, the layout and associated infrastructure, will continue to be considered by the Government throughout the remainder of the ANPS review.

The Government is expecting an application for development consent on the Northwest Runway will be brought forward by HAL, following the ANPS review.

The ambition of the Government is to see flights taking off from a new third runway by 2035.

As part of the plans, Londons airspace will be redrawn to ensure the capitals skies are ready for more departures from a third runway the Government said.

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: Heathrow is our only hub airport which supports trade, tourism and hundreds of thousands of jobs, underpinning prosperity not only in the South East but across the UK.

Today is another important step to enable a third runway and build on these benefits, setting the direction for the remainder of our work to get the policy framework in place for airport expansion.

This will allow a decision on a third runway plan this parliament which meets our key tests including on the environment and economic growth.

We are acting swiftly and decisively to get this project off the ground so we can realise its transformational potential for passengers, businesses, and our economy sooner.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: We are taking action where previous governments hesitated, and moving forward with Heathrows third runway to drive economic growth, international investment and better connections for our country.

That means opening the door to new growth and opportunity with Heathrow expansion creating over 100,000 jobs, boosting our economy, and giving businesses and communities the certainty they need to thrive.