Heathrow expansion: expect 15p more on flight tickets from 2028
If you’re planning a holiday abroad from the UK, it’s worth knowing: Heathrow Airport’s third runway expansion is about to cost you a little extra at the till.
From 2028, passengers flying from Heathrow will see ticket prices rise by around 15 pence as the airport recovers money it’s spent on planning and designing the new runway. That figure could climb to 30 pence in later years as construction progresses.
This decision has been approved by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which regulates UK aviation. Heathrow has been allowed to claw back up to £320 million in early-stage costs by charging airlines higher fees. Airlines, in turn, typically pass these charges directly on to passengers through ticket prices.
What’s actually happening?
The government backed Heathrow’s £33 billion third runway scheme in November 2025, choosing it over a rival proposal. The CAA has now ruled that the airport can recover its planning and design costs from 2025 and 2026 via increased airport charges. If you fly regularly for business or pleasure, these small increases will add up over time.
The CAA has stressed that safeguards are in place to protect you. The airport must be transparent about costs, report them regularly, and have independent experts check that spending is genuinely necessary and efficient. The idea is to prevent the airport from inflating costs unfairly.
Should you be concerned?
Airlines have long complained that Heathrow is already the world’s most expensive hub airport. Environmental campaigners and many local residents remain opposed to the expansion, citing concerns about air pollution, noise, and the UK’s climate commitments.
If you’re a frequent flyer, budget a little extra for future trips. For most casual holidaymakers, 15–30 pence per ticket is unlikely to break the bank. However, if you’re booking group travel or business flights, these charges could mount up noticeably.
The government hopes for a planning decision by 2029. Keep an eye on how these charges evolve — the CAA’s transparency requirements mean costs should be publicly reported.