The government has confirmed that Heathrow Airport Limited's proposal will form the basis for expanding Britain's busiest airport with a third runway, aiming for operations to begin by 2035.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced the decision on 25 November, stating that HAL's scheme offers "the most deliverable option" among competing proposals such as the Arora Group.

The chosen proposal will now inform a review of the Airports National Policy Statement, the planning framework required for expansion approval. Amendments to this policy will be consulted on next summer, with a final planning decision expected by 2029.

Key details including runway length, layout, and infrastructure remain under consideration. The government has emphasised that expansion must meet the UK's climate obligations, with the Climate Change Committee being consulted throughout the review process.

Greater London's airspace will be redesigned as a priority to accommodate the additional flights, with over 1.1 million take-offs and landings already occurring annually in the capital's skies.

The announcement follows recent approvals for expansions at Luton and Gatwick airports. Officials project the Heathrow expansion will create over 100,000 jobs, though the selection does not represent final approval of the runway scheme or design.

Public consultation on policy amendments will also take place next summer, with parliamentary scrutiny to follow before any final decision is made.