Farnborough Airport expansion decision pushed back
Rushmoor Borough Council have confirmed they will not be determining the application by 30 June, as had been expected.
Last updated 22nd May 2025
The decision on Farnborough Airport's proposed expansion will not be made by 30 June, as had been expected.
A Rushmoor Borough Council spokesperson said: "Rushmoor Borough Council will not be determining the Farnborough Airport Application by 30 June 2025 and is currently discussing with the Airport and then with statutory consultees an appropriate revised timetable. This will be published once agreed. Any claims on the timing of the process at the moment are speculation. "
The proposed expansion of the private airport would increase the maximum number of annual aircraft movements by 40% from 50,000 to 70,000 per annum.
This would include an increase in weekend aircraft movements from 8,900 to 18,900 per year.
Farnborough Airport UK’s first airfield and in 1908 was the venue for the country’s first powered flight.
The airport is also known for its Pet Travel Scheme which allows dogs, cats and ferrets to fly to and from the UK in a private plane.
Neighbouring Waverley Borough Council are opposed to the expansion due to the impact it will have on the environment and people living in the flight path.
Councillor Steve Williams, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, says the expansion contradicts both Waverley and Rushmoor Borough Council's goal of being carbon neutral by 2030.
"Supporting the expansion of Farnborough Airport would be contrary to our climate commitments."
Councillor Williams also says it would not benefit enough people to be justifiable.
"Farnborough is a private airport, it appeals to a very narrow section of the population.
"We're talking about carbon emissions that are equivalent to that of an average family in a year on a single flight and this is excessive and unnecessary."
A Farnborough Airport spokesperson said: "Continued growth at Farnborough Airport is necessary to realise the economic potential of the region, safeguarding the prosperity of the local area and sustaining household incomes which are reliant on the many thousands of jobs the airport supports."