Heathrow Airport has warned the UK government that its planned third runway could be delayed by four years, pushing the opening to 2039 instead of the original 2035 target, according to multiple outlets.
The airport said the original 2035 goal, set by the government, would be difficult to meet without simplifying the planning process, according to the BBC.
The 2035 deadline had been set with backing from then-Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who argued the £49 billion expansion plan would create 100,000 jobs and boost the economy, according to GB News. GB News also reported that critics have branded the plan 'unrealistic.'
GB News further reported that the expansion plans have appeared to waver since Andy Burnham succeeded to No 10, as he has not addressed the airport's expansion since taking office; this claim was not corroborated by other outlets.
How each side covered it
Center
- Center outlets reported Heathrow warned the third runway could be delayed by four years.
- BBC News reported the airport said the 2035 goal would be hard to meet without simplifying planning processes.
“The UK's busiest airport says the original goal of 2035 will be difficult to meet without simplifying the planning process.” — BBC News
Right
- Right-leaning outlets reported the £49 billion plan backed by Rachel Reeves had been called 'unrealistic.'
- GB News reported the 2035 deadline was set with support from Reeves and Sir Keir Starmer.
- GB News reported that plans appeared to waver since Andy Burnham succeeded to No 10, a claim not corroborated elsewhere.
“Heathrow's third runway to be delayed until 2039 as Rachel Reeves's £49bn plan branded 'unrealistic'” — GB News
Questions readers ask
What happened with Heathrow's third runway?
Heathrow Airport has warned the UK government that construction of its third runway could be delayed by four years, moving the expected opening from 2035 to 2039.
Why was 2035 the original target?
The 2035 deadline was set by the government, with backing from then-Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Sir Keir Starmer, as part of a plan for the runway's expansion, according to GB News.
Why does the delay matter?
The runway plan was tied to a £49 billion investment expected to create 100,000 jobs and boost the economy, according to GB News, so a delay could affect those projections.
What did center and right-leaning outlets focus on?
Center outlets, including the BBC, emphasized Heathrow's statement that meeting 2035 would be difficult without simplifying planning; right-leaning outlets, including GB News, emphasized criticism of Rachel Reeves's plan as 'unrealistic' and political uncertainty under Andy Burnham.
What happens next?
It remains unclear whether the government will accept the new 2039 timeline, as this is a developing story with no confirmed decision reported by the sources.
Sources · 7 outlet reports
- The IndependentLeft-leaningHeathrow’s third runway delayed as new target deadline revealed
- BBC NewsCenterHeathrow Airport's third runway may be delayed to 2039
- BBC SportCenterHeathrow Airport warns third runway could be delayed by four years
- Sky NewsCenterHeathrow Airport's third runway delayed for four years until 2039
- GB NewsRight-leaningHeathrow's third runway to be delayed until 2039 as Rachel Reeves's £49bn plan branded 'unrealistic'
- The TelegraphRight-leaningHeathrow’s third runway delayed until 2039
- The TimesRight-leaningHeathrow’s third runway to be delayed until 2039