Heathrow third runway faces four-year delay as Burnham refuses to back project

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has declined to back Heathrow's third runway after the airport said the project may not open until 2039, four years behind schedule.

• Heathrow said it hopes to secure planning permission by 2029 and open the runway within a decade, delaying the original 2035 target to 2039.
• Burnham said the issue is principally a matter for London and Londoners and that he would not jump straight in before considering the summer consultation results.
• Heathrow responded that local voices must be heard, citing polling showing community support for expansion.
• Unions Unite and GMB backed the project, with GMB urging the government to clear planning bottlenecks.