Plans to expand London's other airports are already further along than Heathrow's and have in the past been viewed as an alternative to a third Heathrow runway. Work is set to start this year to expand capacity at Stansted's terminal. The government is due to make a decision on Gatwick airport by 27 February.

Airport bosses have been pushing for the expansion for years, arguing that Heathrow’s capacity is full. They said the £14 billion expansion is needed to add 260,000 flights. Many residents are against the expansion as homes and businesses near the airport’s safety perimeter face demolition,

British finance minister Rachel Reeves is expected to back the expansion of Heathrow Airport on Wednesday, turning to the country's most controversial infrastructure project in her hunt for economic growth.

It is the rich and the corporations who will take the lion’s share of the benefits from Labour’s and all airport expansions, while the poorest around the world pay the costs.

Should another runway be built at Heathrow Airport? Let us know what you think in our poll below, or click here. Environmental advocates have strongly condemned the plans. Alethea Warrington, head of aviation at climate charity Possible, called the move a "catastrophic misstep," highlighting the potential increase in carbon emissions.

Rachel Reeves confirmed plans for a third runway at London Heathrow Airport this morning, (Wednesday, January 29). The ambitious project has been backed by the airport itself, claiming it is the 'bold, responsible vision the UK needs to thrive in the 21st century'.