The government's official consultation on Heathrow expansion is now open

For a limited time, the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement is out for consultation. This is the stage where your input can help shape whether the expansion — building a third runway and expanding the current boundary of the airport - goes ahead and on what terms.

But act quickly, the deadline to respond is 11.59pm on Tuesday 1 September.

This is your chance to have a say on the:

  • Need for a third runway at the airport

  • Terms on which it should go ahead

Anyone from individuals to communities and local authorities to businesses and environmental groups can share their views on the issues. Remember, your input could help shape this policy framework.

The deadline to have your say is 11.59pm, Tuesday 1 September 2026.

The government will then consider all of the responses it receives before deciding whether the HENPS will be amended and then finalised. Parliament will also need to vote on the policy before it goes ahead. Don’t miss your chance to share your views.

RESPOND TO THE CONSULTATION

  • The Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS) is the government policy that potential developers referred to as the “promoters” (such as Heathrow Airport Limited or Heathrow West Limited or others) will have to follow when developing their plans for expansion and undertaking their own consultations on the specific aspects of the expansion project. It also sets out what the government will be looking for when it makes its final decisions on whether to grant planning approval for the scheme. Effectively, it sets the terms and conditions the proposed expansion must meet.

  • Anyone from individuals to communities and local authorities to businesses and environmental groups can share their views on the issues. Remember, your input could help shape this policy framework.  

  • Please don’t simply say you support or oppose the expansion. Draw on evidence, your practical experience and local knowledge. Try to refer to specific sections of the draft HENPS. 

  • If the government decides to proceed it will publish a public response to all feedback received, and update the policy statement accordingly. A final version of The HENPS will be taken to a vote in the House of Commons. If passed, it will take legal effect. The government aims to complete this process by the end of 2026. If the decision is made not to proceed, then the expansion cannot take place.