Chancellor John Healey has made a public case for expanding Heathrow Airport, saying a third runway could support economic growth, while Prime Minister Andy Burnham has declined to endorse the project ahead of further government decisions.
Speaking to reporters during the International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok on Friday 16 October 2026, Healey pointed to the contribution airports make to employment and the wider economy.
“The case for a third runway at Heathrow has always been a case for growth,” the Chancellor said, according to Reuters.
Different public positions at the top of government
Healey's remarks contrast with Burnham's more cautious position. The Prime Minister has said the views of people living near the airport must be taken seriously and has stopped short of backing construction of a new runway.
That difference does not establish a formal Cabinet disagreement or a change in government policy. The Chancellor emphasised the potential economic benefits; the Prime Minister has reserved judgment pending consideration of the proposal and its impacts.
Former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and former Chancellor Rachel Reeves supported Heathrow expansion in 2025. The present government must still complete the relevant policy and planning processes.
Consultation and planning remain outstanding
The Department for Transport has consulted on a draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement, which would set the framework for assessing any future application. It considers economic growth alongside climate change, noise, air quality and effects on surrounding communities.
Crucially, the draft policy statement does not itself grant planning permission. A third runway would require a separate development consent application and scrutiny under the statutory process.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has also acknowledged the potential economic benefits while making clear that decisions must follow consideration of consultation responses.
Jobs, investment and environmental objections
Supporters of expansion argue that additional runway capacity could improve international connectivity, encourage investment and create jobs. Heathrow's operator has warned that uncertainty over political support could affect investment decisions.
Opponents, including environmental campaigners and some nearby residents, have raised concerns about aircraft noise, air quality, disruption to communities and the compatibility of additional flights with climate commitments.
Heathrow has indicated that a new runway might not open until 2039, later than the timetable previously envisaged. The eventual date depends on political decisions, planning consent, financing and construction.
What happens next?
The government is reviewing responses to the consultation before determining its next steps. There is no live planning application for the third runway, and neither Healey's comments nor Burnham's caution amount to a final decision.
The Chancellor's intervention nevertheless places the economic argument for expansion back into the political debate as ministers prepare for the forthcoming Budget.
Sources
- Reuters — UK finance minister says Heathrow expansion would boost growth, 16 October 2026
- Department for Transport — About the draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement
- Department for Transport — Parliamentary statement launching the Heathrow policy consultation
- Heathrow Airport — Expansion plans and timetable