The Government has today Thursday, 18 June) launched a public consultation on the framework for future decisions on Heathrow's third runway.

"This marks another key milestone in delivering a final planning decision in 2029, making sure it meets key tests on noise, air quality, climate and economic growth," says The Department for Transport.

It added: "Expansion at Heathrow will attract international investment, boost Britain's connectivity to new markets, and could deliver over £40bn of benefits to the UK.

"Up to 40% of the growth benefits of expansion, once fully operational, is expected to be in areas outside of London and the South East.

"Passengers will see benefits through direct improvements when they travel, such as fewer delays, better value fares and more choice."

Heathrow handles more flights than any other two-runway airport in the world, with a record 84 million passengers using the airport last year – "underlining how necessary boosting its capacity is", says the DfT.

It added: "From baggage handlers and cabin crew on the ground, to manufacturers and suppliers across the UK, a third runway will ensure Heathrow continues to support hundreds of thousands of jobs across a diverse range of sectors – providing vital, highly skilled employment in all four corners of the UK.

"Businesses, communities, and the wider aviation sector will now have a chance to have their say on plans for a third runway, including how the project can manage the four key areas of air quality, noise, climate change, and economic growth."

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The consultation proposes "that any scheme must have a clear strategy to create jobs and realise the economic benefits of expansion, be compatible with the UK's legally binding climate targets, not breach legal air quality limits, and ensure noise emissions do not worsen for local residents".

The DfT said: "Planning proposals from developers looking to build a third runway will be strictly assessed against these key tests – ensuring expansion meets the needs of local people, and serves the UK economy by driving growth.

"This consultation will also strengthen the decision-making process and keep the Government on track to take a final planning decision on the project by 2029.

"This follows the Transport Secretary committing to complete the process three years faster than production of the previous policy statement in 2018."

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander said: "We're a government of builders, not blockers, taking the steps needed to unlock billions in investment, boost growth, and create thousands of local jobs.

"Today's consultation is a positive step towards realising the benefits of a third runway, by giving businesses, communities, and the public the chance to help shape this key project at one of the world's most successful hub airports.

"We are determined to move quickly and responsibly to set a framework for future expansion at Heathrow that will meet the needs of local people and the country on the key issues of noise, air quality, climate change and economic growth."

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves added: "Growth is this Government's top priority, and we are backing the builders to get Britain moving.

"An expanded Heathrow would support over 60,000 good local jobs and deliver up to £42 billion in benefits to the UK - strengthening vital links and improving connectivity across the country.

"This consultation is a key milestone in delivering the infrastructure our country needs. Getting here took 18 months from when we announced our support for expansion last January - the fastest ever review of a national policy statement."

The independent Climate Change Committee is being formally consulted to advise on how expansion can be consistent with the net zero framework.

According to the DfT, airspace across the UK is also being modernised to deliver quicker, quieter, and more efficient flights with lower emissions, reducing the sector's climate change impacts.

In November, the Government officially selected the scheme proposed by Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) to inform the National Policy Statement review.

However, the plans have been met with opposition from locals and political figures.