THE government has approved plans to expand Heathrow Airport in what has been described as a "truly momentous" step forward.

A committee meeting this morning (Tuesday), chaired by the Prime Minister, approved the building of a third runway at the international airport - the first full-length runway built in the south-east since the second world war.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling officially announced the government support for Heathrow expansion and said he was proud of the government's decisive action. 

Speaking today, Grayling said: "The step that government is taking today is truly momentous. I am proud that after years of discussion and delay this government is taking decisive action to secure the UK’s place in the global aviation market – securing jobs and business opportunities for the next decade and beyond.

"A new runway at Heathrow will improve connectivity in the UK itself and crucially boost our connections with the rest of the world, supporting exports, trade and job opportunities. This isn’t just a great deal for business, it’s a great deal for passengers who will also benefit from access to more airlines, destinations and flights."

The scheme will now be taken forward in the form of a draft ‘National policy statement’ (NPS) for consultation, with MPs expected to vote on the issue in one year's time.

Mr Grayling added that expansion would only be allowed to go ahead if Heathrow provided a package of compensation and mitigation worth up to £2.6 billion, including community support, insulation, and respite from noise in order to balance the impacts of expansion.

Other options considered were extending the existing runway at Heathrow or building a second runway at Gatwick Airport. 

Heathrow has welcomed the decision and said: "Expansion of Heathrow is the only option that will connect all of the UK to global growth, helping to build a stronger and fairer economy.

"We await the full details, but 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."

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