Heathrow Airport has warned that delivery of its long-planned third runway could be delayed by as much as four years, putting at risk the government's stated target of bringing the new runway into operation by 2035.
In a statement, the airport said it may not meet the 2035 timetable and flagged the potential for a multi-year postponement. The disclosure raises fresh questions about the schedule for a major expansion project that has been central to UK aviation capacity planning.
Government ministers responded by saying the 2035 deadline had "always been ambitious," acknowledging the difficulty of delivering a project of this scale within the previously announced timeframe. Ministers did not provide an alternative completion date when commenting, but said they recognised the complexities involved in major infrastructure programmes.
A delay of this length would have implications for airlines, passengers and businesses that have factored the extra capacity into their long-term planning. It is also likely to shape political and commercial discussions about transport policy and investment in the coming months.
Heathrow and government officials will be watched for further updates on revised schedules and any changes to the project’s delivery plan. Stakeholders across the aviation sector are expected to press for clarity on timing and the potential effects on capacity, costs and regional connectivity.