Heathrow Airport is set to expand with a new third runway, increasing capacity and flights, despite local opposition and environmental concerns.
London: A new map shows how Heathrow Airport will expand. The government approved the third runway today. Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed the decision.
Heathrow is the busiest airport in the UK. Airport leaders say they need this expansion. They argue the current capacity is full. The £14 billion project aims to add 260,000 flights.
However, many local residents oppose the plan. Homes and businesses near the airport may be demolished. Environmental groups worry about increased noise and pollution.
The new runway will cover parts of Harmondsworth in Hillingdon. It will stretch from Sipson through Harmondsworth and over the M25 near Colnbrook.
Part of the M25 will be diverted into a tunnel under the new runway. Harmondsworth has many homes, a primary school, and local businesses.
Campaigners have protested against this expansion since 2009. Alethea Warrington from the climate charity Possible criticized the plan. She believes it only benefits frequent flyers.
In 2020, the Supreme Court approved the expansion. The Chancellor claims it will boost the UK economy. But many locals fear more noise from aircraft.
Some people support the expansion, like Jerry Dyer from Big Jet TV. He reports on plane landings at Heathrow. He believes modern planes are quieter than older models.
Heathrow is one of the world’s busiest airports. It expects 84.2 million passengers this year. The new runway could increase capacity to around 740,000 flights.
The expansion may create over 100,000 jobs. It will also serve domestic flights to cities like Belfast and Liverpool. The total cost is estimated at £14 billion.
Road improvements will be necessary, including changes to the M25 and M4. A new rail link could cost an additional £5 billion.
Jerry Dyer noted that the decision is tough due to homes and wildlife. Colne Valley Regional Park opposes the expansion, citing environmental destruction.
Independent advisers recommend no net airport expansion in the UK. The UK aims for net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Chancellor Reeves insists growth can happen without harming the environment.
The third runway won’t open until the 2030s. The planning process will take up to two years before construction begins.
