Heathrow has projected that its proposed expansion could support 108,000 jobs across the UK’s nations and regions. The airport published the estimate on 2 September 2026, immediately after the Government’s consultation on the draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement closed.
Heathrow said the potential roles would span construction, engineering and apprenticeship opportunities. It also said the expansion would be financed through private investment rather than public funding. The 108,000 figure and the financing description represent Heathrow’s position and do not amount to a confirmed employment programme or funding commitment.
The Department for Transport consultation closed at 11:59pm on 1 September. The draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement, known as HENPS, is a proposed planning-policy framework for future development-consent applications. It is not development consent for a runway.
The draft framework applies to a proposed Northwest Runway scheme and associated terminals, surface-access facilities and strategic-road changes. It says any proposal would need to meet tests relating to economic growth, climate change, air quality and noise.
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The Government’s current timetable says a final HENPS could be designated by the end of 2026, subject to the consultation process and parliamentary scrutiny. Parliamentary scrutiny of the draft policy is due to continue until 26 November 2026.
If that timetable is maintained, applications for development consent could be submitted by the end of 2027. A final decision is anticipated in the first half of 2029. These dates describe the Government’s anticipated process rather than an approval of the airport’s scheme.
The existing 2018 Airports National Policy Statement remains effective until an amended HENPS is designated. The consultation did not decide whether the Northwest Runway will be built, and no development consent has been granted.
Heathrow’s announcement therefore sets out the airport’s projected employment case for expansion. It should not be read as confirmation that construction will proceed, that the projected jobs will be created, or that a third runway has been authorised.
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