Heathrow runway plan points to 2039 opening

Heathrow Airport says it is aiming to secure planning permission for a third runway by 2029 and open it within a decade after approval, a timetable that would put operations around 2039 rather than the previously discussed 2035 target. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has declined to endorse the expansion, saying he wants to consider consultation responses before taking a position. The airport’s timeline is conditional, not a confirmed opening date. Heathrow has described 2029 as its target for planning permission, while the Department for Transport says there is no live planning application and has called the timetable ambitious. The department says it will continue working with Heathrow and other stakeholders on a framework under which an application could be considered. Burnham, speaking at the Labour Party conference, said the issue was principally for London and Londoners and that their views should be heard. He said the consultation responses should be considered before deciding how to proceed. He did not state whether he supports or opposes the runway.