Cheaper Heathrow expansion plan 'should be put back on table'

Willie Walsh, chief executive of British Airways' owner, says ministers should not be bound to third runway proposal

The alternative, cheaper scheme to expand Heathrow airport should be put back on the table if the government gives the go-ahead for a new runway, according to the boss of British Airways' owner.

Willie Walsh, the chief executive of IAG, whose airlines, including BA, operate the majority of services at Heathrow, said he did not expect a decision soon - but the "prohibitive costs" meant ministers should not be bound to the airport's own proposals for a third, north-west runway.