Heathrow third runway planning costs increase to GBP 1b

London : London Heathrow Airport's planning cost for the third runway is currently projected to exceed GBP 1 billion (approximately EUR 1.15 billion). The airport seeks to raise passenger charges to recoup the expenses incurred this year and next for its planning permission submission.

In July 2025, Heathrow Airport executives requested an additional GBP 320 million (approximately EUR 368 million) from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to cover expansion-related expenses.

This marks a significant increase, bringing the total projected planning costs for the third runway to approximately GBP 820 million (around EUR 960 million), up from the GBP 500 million (approximately EUR 576 million) in preparation costs forecasted in 2019.

Heathrow is looking for approval to recover the costs through higher passenger fees. The airport currently levies an average charge of GBP 28.46 (EUR 32.80) per passenger but is pressing to raise the rate to GBP 33.26 (EUR 38.33) by 2027.

Heathrow also announced that the total cost of expanding and modernizing the airport is now expected to reach GBP 49 billion (approximately EUR 56.5 billion). Of that total, roughly GBP 21 billion (about EUR 24.2 billion) would be allocated for the third runway.

The airport has previously reported that the expansion is set to increase its capacity by at least 30 new routes and nearly 80 percent more passengers.