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The proposed third runway at Heathrow Airport has been approved by the government in what it has described as a “major boost” for the UK economy.
The long-awaited decision comes more than a year after the Airports Commission backed the creation of a third runway at Heathrow in July last year as opposed to Gatwick Airport, which had hoped to build a second runway.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said the decision was “truly momentous” and said expansion would support trade and job opportunities.
The new runway at Heathrow will bring economic benefits to passengers and the wider economy worth up to £61bn over 60 years, the government said.
Meanwhile, up to 77,000 additional local jobs are expected to be created over the next 14 years and the airport has committed to create 5,000 new apprenticeships over the same period.
The government said it would also propose a six-and-a-half hour ban on scheduled night flights and create a mitigation package for the local community most affected by the expansion, worth up to £2.6bn.
The scheme will be taken forward in the form of a draft national policy statement (NPS), which will be consulted on in the New Year. Members of Parliament will then vote on the decision in the winter of 2017-2018.
A Heathrow spokesperson said: “We welcome the news that Heathrow is the government’s preferred site for a new runway and look forward to hearing the full details later from the Transport Secretary.
“Heathrow stands ready to work with government, businesses, airlines and our local communities to deliver an airport that is fair, affordable and secures the benefits of expansion for the whole of the UK.”
Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association (BHA), welcomed the decision commenting: “The challenge from other European hub-airports vying to replace Heathrow is serious, especially once the United Kingdom has left the European Union.
“This decision demonstrates that the UK is open to visitors and investment from across the globe, and will also allow space for domestic air links to support regional tourism right across the country.”
