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London mayor opposes Heathrow third runway over net zero concerns
City Hall said Heathrow expansion would require major rail and road upgrades, putting potential surface access costs at £9bn, with a final decision expected after a 2029 parliamentary vote.
London's mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, has formally opposed plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport in response to the UK government's consultation on the draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement.
Khan argued the airport's case rests on evidence that does not reflect current climate laws and travel habits, and he said he sees no basis for concluding the proposals are compatible with a credible path to net zero. He also linked the expansion to a risk of reversing progress on air pollution reductions for communities around Heathrow, citing outcomes from the Ultra Low Emission Zone.
City Hall said additional flights could require upgrades to the Elizabeth and Piccadilly lines and new southern and western rail links, and it put potential surface access costs at £9bn while noting there is no funding agreement.
Heathrow said the expansion is its most important economic growth opportunity and questioned claims in the mayor's submission, while preparing a plan for a new 2.1 mile northwest runway that would require realigning part of the M25. Heathrow also said it is committed to a completely privately funded noise insulation scheme for local homes, and a final decision is expected following a parliamentary vote in 2029, according to BBC Business.