Heathrow Airport: Climate Change
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of climate change on Heathrow Airport over the next a) 10, b) 20 and c) 50 years.
Answered by Keir Mather
The Government's review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) and associated Heathrow expansion policy documents recognise that airport infrastructure is a long-term investment that will need to remain operational in the face of a changing climate. These documents require consideration of climate change risks and adaptation measures as part of airport planning and development.
On 18 June 2026, the draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS) was published for consultation, alongside an Appraisal of Sustainability (AoS). An AoS identifies the likely social, environmental, and economic effects of the draft HENPS, including effects related to climate change adaptation. The AoS for the draft HENPS assessed the likely effects related to climate change adaptation during construction and operation of a third runway at Heathrow Airport and is titled: Appraisal of Sustainability (AoS) for the draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement. The HENPS consultation is open until 1 September, and all responses will be carefully considered before any final HENPS is laid in Parliament.
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