London mayor Khan supports Gatwick bosses' call for new runway

Gatwick airport's plans for a second runway received a major boost on Friday as London mayor Sadiq Khan threw his weight behind the project.

The mayor stood alongside executives at the airport calling on new UK prime minister Theresa May to back the expansion at the expense of a third runway at Heathrow.

Many of May's new colleagues in the cabinet are reported to be against the idea of expanding Heathrow, and Gatwick chiefs are now pouncing on the possibility of receiving their own extension.

Khan praised the work of the Gatwick executives, after they announced that a further £200m would be made available for the potential second runway.

The mayor stood alongside executives at the airport calling on new UK prime minister Theresa May to back the expansion

They have “put together a formidable plan that is a fantastic display of their confidence in London," said Khan.

“The new prime minister has a very important decision to make regarding new airport capacity, and I urge her to rule as swiftly as possible in favour of a second runway at Gatwick, which would bring substantial economic benefits.”

Chief executive of Gatwick Stewart Wingate said that he believes the airport is the "only" possible detsination for a new runway in Britain.

“As Gatwick rapidly approaches full capacity, this increased investment paves the way for our second runway project. It is now clear that only Gatwick can deliver the runway Britain needs to boost international competitiveness and trading links at a time when it is most needed, and we can do that before 2025.”

David Cameron was expected to sign off on the deal to create a third runway at Heathrow, before doubts began to emerge about the government's willingness to back the plan, which was exacerbated by the Brexit referendum, and Cameron's subsequent resignation.