Britain’s government has backed a tortured effort to build a third runway at Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, throwing its weight behind a decades-old proposal that has been beset by political, legal and environmental challenges.

It is the rich and the corporations who will take the lion’s share of the benefits from Labour’s and all airport expansions, while the poorest around the world pay the costs.

Rachel Reeves is facing fierce opposition within Labour over her plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport.

British finance minister Rachel Reeves is expected to back the expansion of Heathrow Airport on Wednesday, turning to the country's most controversial infrastructure project in her hunt for economic growth.

To justify air travel emissions ballooning in the meantime, the aviation sector has promised a mix of “supply-side” measures, like replacing kerosene with so-called “sustainable aviation fuel” (SAF), which Reeves described as “a game changer”, and making planes lighter and more fuel-efficient.

What could a third runway at Heathrow mean for tourism and the climate? Whatever the outcome, it’s still a long way away from happening.

Heathrow Airport could be re-named after the late Queen Elizabeth to commemorate the 100th anniversary of her birth next year, the Government has said. Cabinet Minister Lucy Powell described the proposed name change as an “excellent idea”.

Ryanair has announced seven new London-Stansted routes but wants UK airport tax scrapped saying it is stifling growth in the UK economy.

The Leeds West and Pudsey MP also highlighted the benefits the Heathrow expansion would have on the rest of the UK "because the availability of slots at Heathrow is good for regional airports wanting to connect with the rest of the world".

Heathrow's third runway could be built and operating in a decade's time, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said. The extra runway at Heathrow was one of a number of infrastructure projects announced by the chancellor on Wednesday as part of the government's plans to boost economic growth.

Officials say Dubai International Airport saw a record 92.3 million passengers pass through its terminals in 2024.