We want to keep people as up-to-date as possible on progress on the third runway development. We are at the first stage of a long planning process but this page will always have the latest news available.

12 October 2009 - BAA Heathrow statement on third runway planning process

You may have read in the Sunday Times this week a claim that BAA, in effect, has dropped plans for a third runway at Heathrow.  This is not true and the following statement has been issued to the media:

BAA spokesperson:

"We remain convinced that a third runway is the only viable, costed and thought through way of meeting the need for extra runway capacity to maintain this country's global connections to the rest of the world, particularly in an era where long haul links to markets such as China and India are increasingly important.

The process of putting in a planning application is complex, particularly given the new planning structure put in place as recently as October 1st. The process was always going to take until after the general election. We continue to work on the application and will take as long as is necessary to prepare a proper submission."

We remain committed to the third runway project but appreciate that this media story may have created uncertainty for local residents.  If you would like to talk to someone about BAA's position, please call our Community Team on 020 8745 5791 or email heathrowthirdrunway@baa.com.

15 January 2009 - Government gives green light for third runway at Heathrow

BAA's Chief Executive, Colin Matthews, has welcomed the government's decision to go ahead with a third runway at Heathrow.

"This decision opens the door to Heathrow becoming a truly world class hub airport, and to the UK maintaining the direct connections to the rest of the world on which our prosperity depends.

"Meeting the environmental targets will be demanding, but, whilst we have to study the detail in today's announcement, we are determined to work with the rest of the aviation industry to achieve them.

"We are also fully aware that today's decision will be a difficult one for many, particularly those residents who will be directly affected by it. We intend to work with the local community as much as possible as we go through the planning process."