London Gatwick Airport expansion was given a green light today which will boost capacity by 30 million more passengers a year. The UK’s second-biggest airport welcomed a decision from the Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander this morning to bring its emergency runway into permanent use.

Gatwick has until April 24 to respond to the new proposals, with Ms Alexander anticipated to make a final decision shortly thereafter, although her deadline has been extended to October 27. The source stated: "The Transport Secretary has set out a path to approving the expansion of Gatwick today following the Planning Inspectorate's recommendation to refuse the original application.