Mayor Sadiq Khan labels Heathrow expansion an outdated risk

Sir Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has reiterated his opposition to the proposed third runway at Heathrow Airport in response to the government’s latest consultation on the airport’s expansion. In a statement released to the press, Khan warned that a third runway would exacerbate air‑traffic congestion, increase carbon emissions, and undermine the city’s climate‑action commitments. He also urged the government to consider alternative solutions, such as improving public‑transport links and encouraging the use of existing airports.

The consultation, launched by the Department for Transport, seeks public input on the feasibility and environmental impact of adding a third runway to the world’s busiest airport. Khan’s stance follows a long‑standing campaign by the mayor’s office to limit Heathrow’s growth, citing concerns over noise, air quality, and the broader sustainability goals of the Greater London area. The government’s decision will be influenced by the responses received, but the mayor’s remarks underscore the political and environmental tensions surrounding the expansion debate.