The Department for Transport is conducting a review of the Airports National Policy Statement (NPS), a strategic planning document that guides major airport infrastructure development in the UK. The review is active and ongoing, with engagement updates issued in February 2026, and must address legal robustness following the Finch judgment on environmental assessment of emissions and ensure alignment with ports NPS revision.
In response to: Proposed amendments to the existing national policy statement for ports
In response to: Engagement during the Airports National Policy Statement review
In response to: Engagement during the Airports National Policy Statement review
How DfT ministers and officials will engage with stakeholders during the review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS).
UIN: HCWS1093 Further to my Oral Statement to the House on 22 October, I am writing to update the House on the Government’s decision to identify the scheme promoted by Heathrow Airport Limited as the scheme to take forward in …
We welcome the revision of the National Policy Statement for Ports and the Government’s intention to review NPSs more regularly in future to ensure they remain fit for purpose. We note stakeholders’ broad approval for the direction of travel set …
The Government must undertake a thorough assessment of the implications of the Finch judgment for the National Policy Statement for Ports and, where necessary, amends the draft revised NPS to ensure it is legally robust and fit for purpose in …
While airport expansion is likely to provide some economic growth through growth of the aviation sector, the level of growth to the UK economy provided by airport expansion is unclear and the Government has so far failed to provide substantial …
Before formally agreeing any airport expansion plans, the Government should: (Recommendation, Paragraph 14) 1) Commission more detailed and serious research into the net economic benefits. (Recommendation, Paragraph 15) 2) Clearly set out what level of growth to the UK economy …
We heard concerns that if airport expansion is focused around the South East of England it could concentrate wider growth in those regions. This could be detrimental to the aviation and airport sectors, and the local economy, around the rest …
In response to this report the Government should set out how the planned expansion of London Airports will impact the aviation and airport sector around the rest of the UK and the economic impact and level of growth in the …
The Government has confirmed that it is updating the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS). We welcome the letter from the then Aviation Minister, Mike Kane MP, to the Committee following his appearance which confirmed that the Heathrow decision would not …
We are concerned that airport expansion plans will have been produced prior to the publication of a new ANPS which ought to be in place to provide the airports with strategic guidance. We are also deeply concerned that, given a …
The Government should be taking a more strategic approach that should consider wider growth and planning across the whole of the UK. Finally, we are very disappointed that this approach does not allow proper consideration and scrutiny of airport expansion …
Whilst air pollution around Heathrow has reduced in recent years due to cleaner aircraft and road vehicles, airport expansion will make it harder for Governments, both national and local, to deliver on air quality targets. The Airports National Policy Statement …
The Government, when updating the Airports National Policy Statement, should impose air quality limits for areas surrounding airports covering all key air quality pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Having established those limits, government should require that any …
The Airports National Policy Statement fails to account for noise pollution. Whilst improvements have been seen in reducing the level of noise made by individual flights, more must be done to minimise the impact on those who live under and …
We understand the need for the Government to modernise the airspace around the UK, particularly if this will minimise the queuing of planes at airports and reduce the time planes spend circling before they can land. However, this work is …
The Government must publish an impact assessment of its airspace modernisation work in regard to how it will change noise impacts as well as publish a map which allows people to see where the noise of aircraft is likely to …
The Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) is not fit for purpose and requires updating to reflect Government policy. The ANPS specifically fails to: • Provide an integrated view on the role of the aviation and airport system across the country …
The Government should update the Airports National Policy Statement no later than six months after the publication of this report. The updated Statement should: • set out a coherent plan from Government about the airport and aviation system that takes …
The results of this review should be published before or alongside the refreshed ANPS and before any further substantial airport expansion projects are underway. This is crucial to enable proper scrutiny. Failure to do so could put the Government and …
Seeks views on the draft revised national policy statement for ports (2025).
Seeks views on the draft revised national policy statement for ports (2025).
UIN: HCWS681 Today I am laying before Parliament the draft amended National Policy Statement for Ports (NPSP).The extant NPSP was designated in 2012. It sets out the need for development of ports in England, and at reserved trust ports in …
UIN: HLWS680 My Honourable Friend, the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Transport (Mike Kane), has made the following Ministerial Statement:Today I am laying before Parliament the draft amended National Policy Statement for Ports (NPSP).The extant NPSP was designated...
UIN: HCWS476 The Examining Authority’s report on the Gatwick Airport Development Consent Order application was received on 27 November 2024. Under section 107(1) of the Planning Act 2008, a decision must be made within 3 months of receipt of the …
UIN: HLWS472 My Right Honourable friend, the Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander), has made the following Ministerial Statement.The Examining Authority’s report on the Gatwick Airport Development Consent Order application was received on 27 November 2024...
An update on airport expansion and sustainable aviation.
UIN: HCWS397 I wish to update the House on the Government’s position regarding airport expansion and the transition to greener aviation.The Government recognises that air connectivity plays a vital role in supporting economic growth across the country, contributing £1...
UIN: HLWS392 My Right Honourable friend, the Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander), has made the following Ministerial Statement.I wish to update the House on the Government’s position regarding airport expansion and the transition to greener aviation.The...
Seeks views on government’s proposals for reform to the airport slot allocation system in the UK.
Seeks views on government’s proposals for reform to the airport slot allocation system in the UK.
The Government should consider the merits of restructuring future iterations of the National Policy Statements for transport so that there is an over-arching Transport NPS, with Road, Rail, Strategic Rail Freight Interchanges, Ports, and Airport NPSs sitting underneath it, and …
The Government should introduce five-year review periods for the NNNPS, with a shorter term where changes in policy decisions or policy drivers warrant it. This does not necessarily mean that wholesale revisions should be made to the NNNPS every five …
The draft revised NNNPS should be amended to explicitly state the Government’s understanding of the legal precedent for permitting major infrastructure schemes which result in an increase in emissions, where that increase is judged as not likely to harm the …
In its response to its call for evidence on freight, logistics and the planning system, the Department for Transport should address whether some types associated development which are vital to the road freight supply chain, such as driver rest facilities …
We welcome the Government’s announcement that it intends to review the 2012 National Policy Statement for Ports. We urge prompt completion of this review to ensure the NPS remains an effective tool in securing the infrastructure development needed by ports …
UIN: HCWS628 The Government is committed to a strong planning regime for nationally significant infrastructure which properly takes into account impacts on the natural environment, air quality and valued landscapes, and the views of local communities affected by devel...
UIN: HLWS617 My Right Honourable friend, the Secretary of State for Transport (Mark Harper), has made the following Ministerial Statement:The Government is committed to a strong planning regime for nationally significant infrastructure which properly takes into accoun...
Seeking views on updating Strategic road network and the delivery of sustainable development (circular 02/2013).
Seeking views on updating Strategic road network and the delivery of sustainable development (circular 02/2013).
We asked the Department about the support it had provided the aviation industry during the pandemic. DfT told us that government had provided up to £8 billion of support to the aviation industry during the pandemic, but recognised that this …
Seeking views on updating Strategic road network and the delivery of sustainable development (circular 02/2013).
We are convinced that a UK Government-led recovery plan for airports is urgently needed. The paused strategic framework that is being developed by the Department for Transport for the aviation industry to help them recover from the impact of the …
We recommend that the UK Government’s strategic framework for aviation recovery should include: • How airports in Scotland can increase their passenger numbers and grow their businesses whilst meeting net zero targets and using greener methods of operating; • How …
UIN: HCWS251 The aviation sector is vital to our future as a global trading nation as well as playing a critical role in local economies and in the Government’s commitment to level up the economy. However, aviation noise can affect …
UIN: HLWS250 My Honourable Friend, the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Transport (Robert Courts) has made the following Ministerial Statement.The aviation sector is vital to our future as a global trading nation as well as playing a critical role in local …
Decision on reviewing the Airports National Policy Statement following requests made by stakeholders under the Planning Act 2008.
UIN: HCWS135 Our airports are national assets and their expansion is a core part of boosting our global connectivity. This in turn will drive economic growth for all parts of this country, connecting our nations and regions to international markets, …
UIN: HLWS129 My Right Honourable friend, the Secretary of State for Transport (Grant Shapps), has made the following Ministerial Statement:Our airports are national assets and their expansion is a core part of boosting our global connectivity. This in turn will …
Research report and recommendations on a strategic network of general aviation aerodromes.
Reports on UK airport connectivity alongside wider economic and airline competition impacts, supporting documents for the Aviation 2050 consultation.
Setting out the relationship between the Department for Transport and Heathrow Airport Limited in relation to the proposed Heathrow north-west runway scheme.
How environmental issues were considered in the Airports National Policy Statement.
Assessment of potential equality impacts of the policy set out in the proposed Airports National Policy Statement.
Assessment of potential habitat impacts of the policy set out in the proposed Airports National Policy Statement.
Analysis of potential health impacts of the policy set out in the proposed Airports National Policy Statement.
Government response to the Transport Committee conclusions and recommendations on the revised draft Airports National Policy Statement.
Seeking views on the impact of changes to the draft Airport National Policy Statement made since the previous consultation.
A new north-west runway at Heathrow Airport is the preferred option to deliver airport expansion in the south-east.
Policy framework for expansion at Heathrow Airport and primary basis for decision making on any development consent application for a new north-west runway.
Seeking views on the impact of changes to the draft Airport National Policy Statement made since the previous consultation.
Seeking views on the impact of changes to the draft Airport National Policy Statement made since the previous consultation.
Seeking views on the planning policy framework which the applicant for a north-west runway at Heathrow Airport would have to comply with.
Seeking views on the planning policy framework which the applicant for a north-west runway at Heathrow Airport would have to comply with.
Seeking views on the planning policy framework which the applicant for a north-west runway at Heathrow Airport would have to comply with.
Order of Commitment Discharged 10:07:00 Moved by Lord Empey: That the order of commitment be discharged Lord Empey (UUP): My Lords, I understand that no amendments have been set down to this Bill and that no noble Lord has indicated …
Second Reading 10:06:00 Moved by Lord Empey: That the Bill be now read a second time. Lord Empey (UUP): My Lords, regional policies are designed to prevent, or at least reduce, economic decline in those areas of the country that …
First Reading 11:26:00 A Bill to amend the Airports Act 1986. The Bill was introduced by Lord Empey, read a first time and ordered to be printed.
Second Reading 13:14:00 Moved by Lord Empey: That the Bill be read a second time. Lord Empey: My Lords, as noble Lords will recall, I raised this issue last March, in the previous Session, and we then discussed the issues …
First Reading 15:07:00 A Bill to amend the Airports Act 1986. The Bill was introduced by Lord Empey, read a first time and ordered to be printed.
Second Reading 10:06:00 Moved By Lord Empey: That the Bill be read a second time. Lord Empey: My Lords, successive Governments have, for many years, implemented regional policies. These policies have been designed to prevent, or at least reduce, economic …
First Reading 15:36:00 A Bill to make provision to amend the Airports Act 1986. The Bill was introduced by Lord Empey, read a first time and ordered to be printed.