Heathrow Airport has launched an eight-week public consultation on updated proposals for a third runway, inviting residents, businesses and other interested parties to comment on potential changes to the M25 motorway, land acquisition, aircraft noise and the effects on nearby communities.
The consultation opened on 27 October 2026 and runs until 22 December 2026. Heathrow says responses will help shape its proposals before it submits an application for development consent.
What is being proposed?
Heathrow is consulting on expansion plans centred on a third runway and associated airport infrastructure. The proposals also involve changes to surrounding transport links, including the M25, and potential impacts on homes, businesses, agricultural land and community facilities.
The airport has published an interactive map and ten local-area booklets covering communities including Harmondsworth, Sipson, Longford, Harlington, Cranford and Stanwell. These documents allow residents to examine potential impacts in their own areas.
Property acquisition and compensation
Heathrow has released draft and interim property policies covering owners, tenants, landlords, businesses and agricultural landowners. The material describes a proposed Compulsory Purchase Zone and a Wider Property Offer Zone, alongside potential compensation and support arrangements. These are consultation proposals, not evidence that every property shown will be acquired.
An interim property hardship scheme is also described for eligible owners who need to sell but have difficulty doing so because of the expansion proposals.
Road changes, noise and environmental concerns
The consultation material addresses how airport expansion could affect the M25 and other transport routes, alongside construction disruption, air quality, carbon emissions, biodiversity and aircraft noise. Heathrow has published draft noise-insulation and community-compensation proposals, as well as environmental assessment documents.
Supporters of expansion argue that an additional runway would improve aviation capacity, international connectivity and economic activity. Opponents have raised concerns about the impact on residents, property, road traffic, noise and climate commitments. Those competing claims will be examined through the planning process.
Does this mean the third runway is approved?
No. Heathrow remains at the pre-application stage of the development consent process. The airport-led consultation is separate from the Government’s consultation on the draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement, which establishes the policy framework for considering any future application.
The Department for Transport explicitly states that the draft policy statement does not grant planning permission and that any runway proposal must still go through the statutory planning process.
How to respond
Members of the public can inspect consultation documents, maps and details of events on Heathrow’s official consultation website. Feedback must be received by 22 December 2026.
Sources: Heathrow Airport — 2026 public consultation; Heathrow — expansion proposal; Department for Transport — Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement.