Heathrow Says Third Runway Could Open in 2039

Heathrow Airport says its planned third runway could open in 2039 under the airport’s long-standing schedule, rather than by the government-backed target of 2035. The airport said it aims to secure planning permission by 2029 and open the runway within a decade after approval, making 2039 a possible outcome, not a confirmed new opening date. Heathrow described the 2029 permission target as ambitious and said meeting it would require significant changes to regulations and policy. The Department for Transport said there is no live planning application for a third runway and characterized the timeline as ambitious. It said it would continue working with Heathrow and other stakeholders on a framework under which an application could be considered. The statements leave the project’s schedule dependent on planning approval and unresolved policy steps. The government supported the expansion in 2025, but that backing is not a planning permission, and the airport has not filed a live application. Heathrow’s stated timetable is to seek permission by 2029, with construction and opening to follow within a decade if approval is secured.