Our proposal
Understanding Heathrow West
Our proposal is set out in full in our information brochure, which explains:
- the challenges facing Heathrow today
- how our proposal has been developed
- how it would be delivered
- how potential impacts are being assessed and managed
Our masterplan
The principal area that is needed to deliver Heathrow West including related road and river realignments is shown on the Heathrow West proposed development image, together with the area that would be needed should a 3,500m runway be needed in the future. In addition, we may need further land to deliver other transport improvements, green and blue infrastructure, and for relocated functions, should this be required.
We still have further work to do, working with key consultees such as the London Borough of Hillingdon, before we can confirm where such works would be. In our Brochure, we have shown the area that Heathrow Airport Limited has identified as the indicative land take for information, however, our aim is to significantly reduce this.
How Heathrow West would work
New runway and taxiway
An initial 2,400m north-west runway can be operational by 2035, in line with the Government’s deadline.
A new world-class terminal
A better passenger experience driven by smart terminal location and modern design.
Sustainability approach
Green infrastructure, river diversions and environmental enhancements.
Passenger experience
A better passenger experience driven by smart terminal location and modern design.
Surface access and transport
A major public transport hub that connects rail, London Underground, and bus and coach services.
Construction and delivery
A simpler, lower-risk construction approach that avoids major disruption, including building over the M25.
Planning and regulation
Heathrow West is progressing through a defined planning and regulatory framework.
This matters because it sets out how the scheme will be assessed, how and when people can engage, and how Government and regulators will ensure it meets the necessary safety, operational and policy requirements before any decisions are made.
What is a DCO?
A Development Consent Order (DCO) is the formal planning process required for a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, such as a major airport expansion. It is the process through which the Heathrow West proposal will be submitted, examined and ultimately determined by the Secretary of State.
As part of this process, Heathrow West will be carrying out consultation to hear views as we progress our plans.
Listening to you
Consultation is a core part of the Heathrow West planning process. Feedback from stakeholders, local communities and industry partners is used to help shape and refine the proposal as it develops. Different consultation stages provide opportunities to review information, ask questions and share views on the emerging plans.
Examination and
decision-making process
The planning process for Heathrow West follows a structured sequence of stages from initial development through to consultation, submission and determination.
Each stage builds on the previous one, allowing the proposal to be refined and informed by technical analysis, stakeholder engagement and public consultation.
Once the DCO application is submitted, it is examined by the Planning Inspectorate through a structured process that includes written representations, hearings and assessment of evidence.
Following examination, a recommendation is made to the Secretary of State, who then makes the final decision on whether the project is approved.
Aviation policy and the ANPS
Our Heathrow West proposal directly responds to the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), which sets out the Government’s policy framework for airport expansion at Heathrow.
The ANPS establishes the need for additional airport capacity in the UK and provides the framework against which Heathrow expansion proposals are assessed through the DCO process. Heathrow West is being developed in line with this policy framework as the project progresses through planning and consultation.
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