Heathrow’s “shovel-ready” third runway plans mark a pivotal moment for UK infrastructure. The £21 billion proposal, part of a wider £50 billion investment, would reroute the M25, add 750 daily flights and boost capacity to 150 million passengers a year. Backed by major business groups and government, the project promises 100,000 jobs. Yet environmental groups and local authorities warn it clashes with the UK’s net-zero goals.
This isn’t just about planes. It’s about balancing growth and sustainability. Is it possible to deliver large-scale infrastructure and still meet carbon targets? Could a stronger focus on low-carbon aviation fuels or more stringent noise-mitigation measures bridge the gap?
We’d love to hear from fellow engineers and planners: what innovations or policy shifts would make you confident in backing Heathrow’s expansion?
