Heathrow Airport has appointed Turner & Townsend and AtkinsRéalis to provide portfolio management office (PMO) services for its long‑term expansion programme.

The framework agreement, initially for five years with an option to extend for a further five, will see the two consultancies form a strategic joint partnership to deliver programme and project management support across Heathrow’s infrastructure projects. The work will cover the airport’s wider development pipeline, including the

.

Heathrow says the proposed 3,500m runway would enable at least 30 new daily routes, increase capacity to as many as 150M passengers a year and accommodate up to 756,000 flights annually. The airport estimates the expansion programme would represent around £33bn of investment. This includes £21bn on the new runway (which will

) and £12bn on terminal expansion.

Turner & Townsend and AtkinsRéalis are being brought in to provide an integrated PMO that will supply delivery controls and professional services throughout the expansion. The two firms have previously collaborated on large infrastructure programmes, including work for Transport for London.

The appointments come as Heathrow seeks to progress a long‑running plan to increase capacity around London. The third runway proposal has been subject to legal challenges, political debate and detailed environmental scrutiny over the past decade; supporters argue it is essential for long‑term connectivity and economic growth, while opponents highlight concerns about noise, air quality and carbon emissions.

Heathrow has not disclosed commercial details of the framework beyond its duration.

The airport has previously said it is targeting 2035 as the start of flight operations from the new runway, though the timeline remains dependent on final approvals, funding arrangements and the outcome of ongoing environmental and planning processes.

Donna Hayward, PMO director, Heathrow, said: “Heathrow expansion will unlock huge benefits for the country and our customers.

“We are pleased to appoint Turner & Townsend and AtkinsRéalis as we prepare our planning application for a vital upgrade to the UK’s gateway to growth.”

James Corrigan, managing director of infrastructure, UK at Turner & Townsend, said: “We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership of over 30 years with Heathrow and to bring together the combined strengths of Turner & Townsend and AtkinsRéalis.

“This appointment is a testament to our commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure that supports Heathrow’s growth and benefits the wider UK economy.”

Mike Hunting, complex programmes director at AtkinsRéalis said: “Heathrow is embarking on a crucial growth journey which will not only improve passenger experience but create more connectivity and sustainable economic growth for the region.

“AtkinsRéalis, working together with Turner & Townsend, will bring more than two decades’ experience working with Heathrow and we are delighted to play a key role in enabling a world-class programme that is central to Heathrow’s future operations.”