UK prime minister declines to back Heathrow third runway

The prime minister declined to endorse a third runway at London Heathrow Airport in a television interview, saying the decision is mainly for London and its residents. Asked whether he backed the expansion, he said it was principally a matter for London and Londoners, and that local voices should be heard first. He added that stepping in straight after the consultation would not be right, and that differing views must be taken seriously before any decision.

The Mayor of London opposes expansion. The prime minister had also voiced skepticism about the idea when he was mayor of Manchester.

The comments came amid reports that Heathrow had said the current 2035 deadline would not be met. The airport set out plans for an eight-week public consultation from October 27 to December 22, 2026, giving residents the chance to learn more about the proposals before a planning application is submitted.

A Heathrow director for communities and residential property said the airport agreed local voices must be heard. She said consistent polling over the past decade shows community support for the plans and that it is growing, and that local people, businesses and education institutions should have genuine opportunities to shape and finalise the proposals.