Heathrow's third runway to be delayed until 2039 as Rachel Reeves's £49bn plan branded 'unrealistic'

Heathrow's third runway is to be delayed until 2039 as Rachel Reeves' £49billion plan has been blasted as "unrealistic".

Airport bosses have told ministers the current 2035 deadline is not possible, which was set by the former Chancellor.

Ms Reeves backed the third runway plans last year, arguing it would create 100,000 jobs and significantly boost the economy.

She set a 10-year deadline, with the support of Sir Keir Starmer.

However, since Andy Burnham's succession to No10, the plans appeared to waiver as he has not addressed the airport's expansion since taking office.

It is understood he told MPs he was against the investment as it could be allocated elsewhere in other regions.

Local groups strongly oppose the expansion, who argue it will produce more emissions and noise pollution.

London's mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, also raised questions about the plans, claiming it would be putting Londoners' health at risk.

The London airport aims to seek planning permission for the expansion by 2029 and has always considered the decade-long deadline a reasonable ambition.

Its bosses believe the plans could be expedited, but this would require the Government removing further regulatory red tape - beyond planning reforms already proposed.

A Heathrow spokesman said: "It’s right that ambitious targets were set; the sooner expansion begins, the sooner the whole UK will benefit. Our focus has always been to secure planning permission by 2029.

"Once achieved, the runway will be open within a decade – and the benefits of expansion can be felt from today. At least 108,000 new jobs and billions invested in supply chains in every part of the country.

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"This is a national project, 100 per cent privately financed, which will support growth today and secure the UK’s position in the global economy once the runway opens."

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