Heathrow to submit third runway plans this month

It said it will be officially filed with the Government by 31 July.

If it gets the green light, it could become operational by 2035.

It comes as it is recorded record passenger numbers. In the first half of 2025.

The runway development scheme is separate from the airport’s five-year investment plan 2027 to 2031, which is now being reviewed by the CAA.

This relates to supporting airline growth and its future airport charges schedule.

The airport handled 39.9 million passengers in the first six months of 2025.

Heathrow cities strong demand for long-haul flights while airlines deploying larger aircraft boosted overall passenger volumes.

The airport said it remains on course for more than 84 million passengers this year.

Revenue was up slightly to £1.7 billion.

“We are welcoming record passenger numbers and improving the services that matter most,” said CEO Thomas Woldbye.

Heathrow says it was the most punctual major European so far this year, with 98% of passengers clearing security in under five minutes.