Heathrow third runway decision put off until at least summer 2016

Government announces postponement of final decision on airport expansion over environmental concerns

David Cameron has delayed the decision on whether to allow a third runway at Heathrow airport until summer 2016 over environmental concerns.

The government said it was supporting more airport capacity in the south-east by 2030, as recommended by the Airports Commission. However, it delivered a setback to Heathrow's hopes of building a third runway by neglecting to mention the airport by name in its statement and making clear other viable options - such as expansion at Gatwick - were still on the table.