Public consultation · 27 October to 22 December 2026
Heathrow expansion:
have your say on the proposals
Heathrow Airport Limited is consulting on its plans for a third runway. Heathrow Expansion Watch explains the issues independently, so you can take part.
The consultation at a glance
The consultation opens on Tuesday 27 October 2026 and closes on Tuesday 22 December 2026. Drop-in and online events run from 3 November to 12 December.
8 weeks to respond
25 drop-in events around the airport
6 online events
7 key issues to comment on
What is Heathrow consulting on?
Heathrow Airport Limited is developing proposals for a third runway and associated changes to the airport and surrounding infrastructure.
The consultation is a chance to examine the proposals and give feedback before the plans are developed further, and to discuss effects or concerns directly with the team delivering the project.
This consultation is about Heathrow's specific expansion proposals and how they could be developed. It is not a consultation on the Government's overall policy position on Heathrow expansion. That was considered through the consultation on the draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS), which closed on 1 September 2026. The HENPS will provide the policy framework against which future expansion proposals are assessed, but it does not itself grant planning permission.
Heathrow Expansion Watch provides independent information to help you understand the consultation and take part.
Explore the key issues
Seven issues are at the heart of this consultation. Each one has its own explainer.
Why it matters
Expansion could raise noise levels from extra flights, traffic, and building and operating the new runway. Some areas would get quieter, while others would get louder.
Flight paths for a third runway will go through a separate consultation and approval process, led by the UK Airspace Design Service. This means the full effect of aircraft noise on individual communities will not be known until the flight paths have been developed and assessed.
In this consultation
You can give your views on how Heathrow proposes to manage noise during construction and operation, including its Noise Insulation Policy.
Noise
Why it matters
An expanded airport will affect air quality through emissions from aircraft, traffic and construction. Under UK law, the plans must not exceed national legal limits for key pollutants: nitrogen oxides and particulate matter (tiny particles and droplets in the air).
In this consultation
You can give feedback on how Heathrow proposes to manage air quality during construction and operation of the expanded airport.
Air quality
Why it matters
The UK has committed to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Expansion could increase flights and passengers, with implications for emissions from aircraft, airport operations and the journeys to and from the airport.
Heathrow says expansion and net zero are not competing goals. Its proposals will need to explain how expansion can be delivered while supporting the UK’s climate commitments.
In this consultation
You can look at Heathrow’s approach to carbon and net zero, consider the measures it proposes, and say whether you think they go far enough.
Carbon and net zero
Why it matters
Economic growth across the country is one of the Government’s four tests for Heathrow expansion. Heathrow must assess the project’s economic effects across the UK, including benefits outside London and the South East, and set out how it will support growth.
Locally, expansion could create jobs and training, but could also affect people who work for, or own, businesses touched by the plans.
In this consultation
You can give your views on the benefits and any negative effects you see.
Economy, jobs and skills
Construction and congestion
Why it matters
Expansion will increase congestion on roads and public transport during construction and once a new runway is open, so Heathrow’s transport links must improve. Heathrow will need a strategy covering passengers, freight and workers, more trips by public transport, walking and cycling, and the effects on the M25 and wider roads.
In this consultation
You can comment on how Heathrow plans to build the scheme and manage its effects, and on how people and goods will travel to and from the airport.
Property and compensation
Why it matters
Heathrow’s plans include buying land that currently includes homes within the Compulsory Purchase Zone. Heathrow will need to offer compensation to homeowners and renters living there.
In this consultation
You can give feedback on Heathrow’s Interim Property Policies and find out what compensation may be available.
Community Compensation Fund
Why it matters?
Heathrow’s expansion plans will likely lead to impacts that cannot be fully addressed through mitigation measures. In response, Heathrow is proposing to set up a Community Compensation Fund to offset these impacts by funding a range of community initiatives. How the fund is used and who makes the decisions will directly affect what initiatives are funded, and ultimately the quality of life for local communities.
In this consultation
You can give feedback on how the Community Compensation Fund will be administered, as well as how it might be governed.
Meet the Heathrow team
Heathrow is holding drop-in events at 25 venues around the airport, and six online events
You can ask questions and talk through your concerns before you respond.
Next drop-in events
Tuesday 3 November, 1pm to 7pm
Longford · Thistle London Heathrow Hotel, UB7 0EQ
Quiet hour 1pm to 2pm
Thursday 5 November, 2pm to 7pm
Sipson · London Heathrow Marriott, UB3 5AN
Accessible venue
Friday 6 November, 2pm to 7pm
Wraysbury · Wraysbury Village Hall, TW19 5NA
Online events
Monday 9 November, 6.30pm to 7.30pm
Consultation overview
Monday 16 November, 6.30pm to 7.30pm
Road and surface access
Monday 23 November, 6.30pm to 7.30pm
Construction
Thursday 3 December, 12pm to 1pm
Managing the effects of expansion
Thursday 10 December, 12pm to 1pm
Consultation overview
This consultation is one stage in a longer planning process. Heathrow’s proposals will need to go through further stages before any development can be authorised.
What happens next?
Now
Heathrow consults on its proposals, 27 October to 22 December 2026.
Next
Heathrow considers the feedback and develops its plans further.
Application
Heathrow applies for a Development Consent Order (DCO).
Examination
The Planning Inspectorate examines the application and makes a recommendation.
Decision
The Secretary of State decides whether expansion can go ahead.
The Government's Heathrow expansion policy
Alongside Heathrow Airport Limited's consultation, the Government's review of the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS) is ongoing. The consultation on the draft HENPS closed on 1 September 2026, and the Department for Transport is now considering the responses received and the findings of the House of Commons Transport Committee.
The Government aims to finalise the HENPS by the end of 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. Once designated, it will provide the national policy framework against which future applications for Heathrow expansion will be assessed.
Independent information for communities
We do not support or oppose airport expansion.
Our role is to make sure communities have clear information and real opportunities to take part.
Consultation closes Tuesday 22 December 2026
Have your say today
Respond to Heathrow’s consultation online at heathrow.com/expansion, or by email, Freephone or post.
Email expansionconsultation@heathrow.com
Freephone 0800 307 7996
Write to FREEPOST EXPANSION CONSULTATION
“My focus, and that of CISHA, is to ensure that both our day-to-day work continues across all of the areas the airport has an impact on, and also to deliver additional support and expertise to ensure communities and stakeholders are able to respond to the substance of the expansion plans in the months and years ahead.”
Tracey Waltho, Chair of the Council for the Independent Scrutiny of Heathrow Airport
