Heathrow runway decision delayed at least six months - BBC

The decision about whether to build a new runway at Heathrow Airport or Gatwick Airport will be delayed for at least six months, BBC News reported on Monday.

Unnamed sources told the broadcaster there needs to be more "confidence building" about the environmental impact of another Heathrow runway if it is backed by the Government.

This could mean another review and that an expansion at Gatwick Airport won’t be ruled out, the report added.

The source also said that with both options still a possibility, Heathrow would be under more pressure to deal with environmental concerns. Keeping both options on the table increases the government's leverage.

A decision on a new environmental review will be made on Thursday by the Economic and Domestic Cabinet sub-committee, the report said.

David Cameron promised in July that a decision would be made on whether Heathrow gets a third runway by the end of this year.

However a spokesperson for the Prime Minister told Sky News that despite media reports a decision would be delayed, "the government's position remains absolutely the same".

"We will be setting out the government's response to the Davies report before the end of the year."