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.

Britain will decide on Thursday whether to allow Gatwick Airport to expand, a move that could add millions of extra passengers at the country's no.2 hub and help boost economic growth. With the government keen to greenlight infrastructure projects to revive a sluggish economy,