Heathrow third runway moves into formal planning stage after decade of delays

The government opened statutory consultation on 18 June 2026 on its draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement—a binding policy document required before the airport can apply for a third runway. MPs must vote to approve it; this will test the government's grip on backbenchers, particularly those from constituencies under the flight path. The Planning Inspectorate will examine all public responses as part of the formal record.