Heathrow’s proposed third runway may not enter service until 2039, according to reports, putting the project four years behind the UK Government’s current 2035 objective.
The airport is understood to have told ministers that the earlier date cannot be met under the existing planning and regulatory timetable. The Department for Transport has called the target ambitious and said it will continue engaging with stakeholders.
The scheme is based on Heathrow Airport Limited’s north-west runway proposal, selected by the Government in November 2025. Heathrow is the UK’s largest air-cargo airport, serving time-critical, high-value and international freight. A delay could therefore leave airlines, forwarders and shippers managing current capacity constraints for longer.
Businesses may need to maintain contingency plans involving alternative airports, charter capacity and inventory changes. Supply chains using Heathrow for European and intercontinental movements could also wait longer for any increase in belly-hold and dedicated freighter capacity.
A consultation on a draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement closed on 1 September 2026. Parliamentary scrutiny continues, and the Government is expected to review consultation responses and committee recommendations before deciding its next steps.
The 2039 date is not yet a confirmed opening date. Its eventual significance will extend to UK connectivity, airport competition and the resilience of freight flows. BBC News has reported further details.
A multilingual professional experienced in Europe, Canada, and China, Herbert has developed invaluable networks in the automotive and energy industries. He has led high-profile projects involving ENBW, Mercedes-Benz Group, Siemens Group, and the Fraunhofer Institute.