Heathrow campaigners lose court challenge to third runway

The runway’s opponents, which also included five local councils, argued it would effectively create a new airport with the capacity of Gatwick.

But Lord Justice Hickinbottom and Justice Holgate ruled against the campaigners, ITV reported.

The case against Chris Grayling, the transport secretary, argued the government’s statement supporting the plan failed to adequately address its impact on air quality, climate change, noise and congestion.

Grayling’s lawyers said the claimants’ case was “unarguable” and “premature” and that they would be able to make representations at a later stage in the planning process.

Airline share prices were largely unaffected by the ruling. Shares of International Airlines Group, British Airways' parent, were up 1% to 545.8p at 10:42 BST and easyJet shares were up 1.2%.