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A decision on expanding either Heathrow or Gatwick airport is to be delayed until “at least October”, the government has said.
An announcement was expected to confirm whether projects at Heathrow or Gatwick would get the go-ahead, but a decision has been pushed back following the UK’s vote to leave the EU.
David Cameron’s resignation as Prime Minister means the decision will not be made until after a new Conservative leader is elected.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin told the House of Commons: “I had hoped that we would be able to announce a decision on airport capacity this summer.
“Clearly any announcement on airport capacity would have to be made when the House is in session and being realistic, given recent events, I cannot now foresee an announcement until at least October.”
In July last year the Airports Commission backed a third runway at Heathrow, as long as “stringent measures” were met.
Commenting on the recent announcement Heathrow’s chief executive, John Holland-Kaye said the expansion must be a “key building block” in the government’s Brexit plan.
He said: “It will allow British exporters to trade with all the growing markets of the world, strengthening Britain’s position as one of the great trading nations. And at a time of uncertainty a £16bn privately funded infrastructure investment will create jobs and growth across the UK.
“Government can send the strongest possible signal that Britain is open for business and confident in its future by expanding Heathrow.”
Stewart Wingate, Gatwick CEO, added: “The need for Britain to expand aviation capacity has never been greater. At an uncertain time Britain needs to show it can be agile and decisive. We must move on and show the world that we are open for business.”
