UK transport secretary says Heathrow third runway must pass four tests

The UK transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, said a third runway at Heathrow airport must clear four established policy tests before it can be approved, and that work on a draft policy statement has been accelerated.

Speaking at the AirportsUK Annual Conference on 14 October, Alexander set out the government's approach to national aviation policy. She argued that expanding airport capacity and meeting long-term climate commitments are not in conflict. A third runway, she said, could bring jobs, investment and growth across the country, and she rejected the position that environmental targets require the aviation sector to shrink.

The runway debate has run for several decades. Final approval would still depend on the four tests as well as public and industry consultations, according to the transport secretary.

Alexander also pointed to recent legislative work, including the forthcoming Civil Aviation Bill and the sustainable aviation fuel mandate. Airspace modernisation remains a priority, she said, citing the creation of the UK Airspace Design Service for London and the South East and an independent Civil Aviation Authority review into recent technical outages at the air navigation service provider NATS following significant disruption.

She also noted approved development plans intended to double passenger capacity at Luton airport.

The opposition has suggested that delays in decision-making could deter international investors.