Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Arora urges government to back faster Heathrow third runway
Surinder Arora wants the government to support his plan for a new runway at Heathrow.
He says his plan would cost £25 billion and could be ready by 2035.
His runway would be shorter than Heathrow’s own proposed runway.
It would also avoid building over the M25 road.
Heathrow’s plan is expected to cost £49 billion and may not open until 2039.
Heathrow says it is still working toward getting planning permission by 2029.
Andy Burnham said people living near the airport should have their views heard.
Arora says expanding Heathrow would help Britain connect with other countries and compete internationally.
Surinder Arora says his £25 billion Heathrow runway proposal could be completed by 2035.
Arora’s plan uses a shorter 2,400-metre runway and avoids construction over the M25.
Heathrow’s own £49 billion expansion plan includes a 3,500-metre runway and major infrastructure work.
Heathrow now expects its proposed runway could be delayed until 2039, while targeting planning permission by 2029.
Andy Burnham said local residents’ views should be considered before the government backs the project.
- Who
- Surinder Arora, Heathrow, the government and Andy Burnham are involved.
- What
- Arora is urging support for his alternative plan for a third runway at Heathrow.
- When
- Arora says the runway could be delivered by 2035; Heathrow has indicated its own plan could be delayed until 2039, and Arora plans meetings with the prime minister’s team in early October.
- Where
- Heathrow Airport, near London, with the proposals differing over construction around the M25.
- Why
- Arora says expansion is needed to improve international connectivity and Britain’s competitiveness.
Arora’s alternative plan
Heathrow’s expansion approach
Delivery timetable
Arora’s alternative plan
Arora says his £25 billion proposal could be delivered by 2035 and argues Heathrow’s scheme cannot meet that deadline.
Heathrow’s expansion approach
Heathrow is targeting planning permission by 2029 and says the runway would open within a decade, but its project may now be delayed until 2039.
Project design and cost
Arora’s alternative plan
Arora proposes a shorter 2,400-metre runway that would avoid building over the M25.
Heathrow’s expansion approach
Heathrow’s £49 billion plan includes a 3,500-metre runway and major infrastructure work, including construction over the M25.
Decision-making
Arora’s alternative plan
Arora is asking the government to maintain support for expanding Heathrow, citing connectivity and international competitiveness.
Heathrow’s expansion approach
Andy Burnham said the views of people living around the airport should be heard and that the issue should principally be decided with London’s views taken into account.
- Alternative proposal cost
- £25 billion
- Alternative runway length
- 2,400 metres
- Heathrow expansion cost
- £49 billion
- Heathrow proposed runway length
- 3,500 metres
- Arora’s target completion date
- 2035
- Heathrow’s possible completion date
- 2039
- Heathrow planning target
- Planning permission by 2029