Revision of Heathrow's Regulatory Structure for Airport Expansion Initiated by CAA
UK Civil Aviation Authority Launches Review of Heathrow Airport Expansion Regulatory Framework
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced a comprehensive review of the regulatory framework for capacity expansion at Heathrow Airport. The review, launched in July 2025, aims to ensure the efficient and timely delivery of Heathrow’s expansion plans while protecting consumer interests.
The review will evaluate the current regulatory model, consider credible alternative approaches, and assess the technical feasibility and robustness of the proposed capacity expansion plans. In alignment with the UK Government’s timetable for updating the Airports National Policy Statement, the review will provide a comprehensive analysis of the current regulatory framework and potential alternatives.
Selina Chadha, Director of Consumers and Markets at the CAA, has stated a commitment to reviewing the regulatory framework to support efficient and sustainable expansion. The CAA plans to publish a working paper for consultation in autumn 2025, outlining potential regulatory models and evaluation criteria.
Heathrow Airport itself plans to submit its long-term capacity growth proposal to UK Government ministers by July 31, 2025. The airport aims for planning permission and operational expansion (including a third runway) by 2035, with all plans privately financed. The CAA’s review will scrutinize Heathrow’s expansion investment plan for 2027-2031, which focuses on improving passenger experience and operational resilience.
The review will also consider various aspects, including the alignment of its timetable with the UK Government’s timetable for updating the Airports National Policy Statement. It will explore credible alternatives for the regulatory model of capacity expansion at Heathrow Airport, drawing on frameworks from other large-scale UK and international infrastructure projects.
The CAA’s review is being conducted alongside the CAA’s work on the H8 price control review. The expansion of Heathrow Airport is expected to be one of the largest capital expenditure programs in the UK, making it crucial to establish an effective regulatory approach to support the major national infrastructure project.
The review will not be repeated but aims to provide a comprehensive analysis and potential alternatives for the current regulatory framework for capacity expansion at Heathrow Airport. It will ensure the expansion plans are delivered effectively and fairly for all parties involved, balancing efficient delivery, consumer protection, and sustainable expansion.
- The aviation industry anticipates significant changes in the regulatory framework for Heathrow Airport, as the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced a review to ensure efficient delivery of the airport's expansion plans within the consumer's interest.
- The CAA's review is part of a larger financial undertaking, as the expansion of Heathrow Airport is expected to be one of the largest capital expenditure programs in the UK.
- The aerospace and transportation business sectors are closely watching the review's progress, as its outcomes could potentially influence the regulatory models for future expansion projects in UK airports.
- The review will extend beyond the immediate impacts on Heathrow Airport, considering credible alternatives for regulatory models drawn from large-scale UK and international infrastructure projects, thereby impacting the broader industry landscape.
