Transport secretary Heidi Alexander announced the review last week, with the updated policy document expected for consultation by summer 2026
UK supply chain organisation Logistics UK has welcomed news that the government will review the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS).
Last week, the UK transport secretary Heidi Alexander announced the review, which is expected to help fast-track plans to add a new runway at Heathrow.
The ANPS sets the parameters against which the planning application would be judged and the government is hoping to publish the updated document for consultation by the summer of 2026.
Logistics UK senior policy manager Alexandra Herdman said: "Logistics UK has been calling for reform of the national planning system to enable airport expansion where there are sound economic and supply chain benefits.
"We are therefore pleased to see that the government has announced a review of the ANPS, and we look forward to engaging with the consultation.
“UK airports already handle 2.6m tonnes of freight every year, and £95.6bn of Gross Value Added across all sectors of the UK economy is currently dependent on airfreight exports.
"With the government demanding growth from all areas of the economy, the development of Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton is an ideal opportunity to develop international trade and UK plc through airfreight.
“It is also important to recognise that innovation in aviation is moving at pace. Airspace modernisation, aircraft design and sustainable aviation fuel mean the sector is moving towards cleaner and quieter skies while driving economic growth across the whole economy.”
The review of the ANPS will include considering four key tests that any proposed scheme for Heathrow expansion will have to meet, including on climate change, noise, air quality and contributing to economic growth across the country.
This will ensure planning applications to build a third runway progress fast enough for a final planning decision to be made within this Parliament.
Alexander said: "As our only hub airport, Heathrow is critical to the UK’s economy, connecting millions of people every year and exporting British businesses across the globe. Enabling Heathrow expansion will drive economic growth and create jobs across the country."
