Runway decision could be delayed till the autumn
It is looking increasingly likely that a decision on a new runway for the southeast of England will be delayed until September.
Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin today made it clear there was no guarantee that the government would decide before parliament breaks up next month.
He told the Evening Standard that the ‘timetable is very tight’.
McLoughlin said the Cabinet’s attention had been diverted by the Chilcot inquiry into the Iraq war, as well as the EU referendum taking place later this month.
Gatwick said today that it would start building a second runway during Prime Minister David Cameron’s time in office if it gets the go ahead to expand.
However, the Airports Commission recommended Heathrow for an additional runway ahead of Gatwick following its recent enquiry, although it said Gatwick was a good second choice.
Cameron had been expected to take a final decision after considering the findings of the Airports Commission last December, but delayed the decision for six months for additional research into noise and pollution.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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