The new runway at Heathrow could be built by 2015 as the government seeks to sidestep protesters who are already stepping up their campaign.
The original plans had suggested the £9 billion expansion which includes a sixth terminal as well as the third runway would not be completed until 2019 or 2020.
However, The Times is reporting the government has asked Heathrow owners BAA to submit a planning application as soon as possible with the intention of opening it by 2015. The earlier date would help avoid much of the action by protesters who have vowed to step up their campaign.
The plans have a wide range of critics from the Conservative party and environmentalists to local residents and as many as 50 Labour backbenchers.
Protests continued when last night three women from pressure group The Climate Suffragettes broke glass doors at the Department for Transport. At 4.50am this morning, the women threw bricks at the doors of the Department of Transport in Westminster.
Wrapped around the bricks was a note reading ‘No third runway, the Suffra-jets are back’ and the action left a window broken.
A spokeswoman for the group claimed the action was necessary after the government had refused to allow MPs a vote on the scheme.
Police are now investigating the incident.