Heathrow proposes shorter third runway amid cost concerns

Current industry estimates suggest costs could rise to between $68 billion and $81 billion. Airlines like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have opposed the original plans due to potential increases in landing fees and ticket prices.

The new proposal will feature a shorter runway configuration that avoids tunneling beneath the M25, thus reducing complexity and cost. As reported by The Telegraph, Thomas Woldbye, Heathrow’s Chief Executive, stated that "length of runway is something we will be discussing with airlines." He emphasized that "there’s no reason to build something we don’t need."

Woldbye defended the project's high cost by citing Heathrow's location near central London as a factor that increases expenses. He told the Financial Times, "Building a new runway in the center of London isn’t going to be cheap."

Despite scaled-down alternatives under consideration, many costs remain unavoidable due to dense development around Heathrow.

In related news, London Heathrow Airport has handled 39.9 million passengers in the first half of 2025. Growth was driven by demand for Asia-Pacific and Middle East destinations, along with steady transatlantic travel boosting cargo trade by 2.4%. The airport expects over 84 million passengers this year.

Heathrow aims for planning approval before the next general election with hopes to open the new runway by 2035 without public funding.