The U.K. government has provided provisional approval to the creation of a second runway at Gatwick Airport outside London.

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.