(Feb 26): London Heathrow Airport endorsed the UK government’s target of starting construction on a third runway before the next election in 2029, saying the timeline put forward by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves is “doable”.

Reeves greenlighted the airport’s expansion plan last month, saying she wants “spades in the ground” during the current parliament.  

Making that deadline — the next election is due in 2029 — will require the London hub to work with the government to speed the approval process, Heathrow chief executive officer Thomas Woldbye said on Wednesday.

“What the chancellor has said is, spades in the ground by end of this parliament, I think is doable,” Woldbye said in an interview on Wednesday after the airport reported 2024 results. “That is what we hope will happen, that is what also needs to happen if we are to meet those deadlines.”

The concept of a third Heathrow runway has been around for decades. It’s gained momentum in recent months as the Labour government puts London-area airport expansion at the centre of its economic growth agenda, even as the plans raise concerns over noise and the prospect of higher carbon-dioxide emissions from aircraft exhaust.

Speaking at a dinner on Tuesday night, UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the government must promote growth while also protecting the environment. 

“I say we must do both,” Alexander said. “I am not some sort of flight-shaming eco-warrior.”

The Heathrow effort got a boost on Wednesday with the release of new recommendations by the UK’s climate watchdog that will help ease the path for the airport expansion.

A decision approving an added runway at London Gatwick airport, south of the capital, is expected this week.

Heathrow said on Wednesday it will submit proposals to the government this summer, and work with ministers to agree on policy changes around the regulatory model and airspace modernisation.

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