Liberal Democrats have come under fire from the aviation industry and British business for refusing to change its opposition to airport expansion.
The Airport Operators Association and the British Air Transport Association both voiced disappointment as party activists voted against any increase in the number of runways.
The move at the Lib Dem party conference in Glasgow means that airport expansion is unlikely to go ahead if the party is in government after next year’s general election, irrespective of the findings of the Airports Commission which is due to deliver its final report in summer 2015.
Confederation of British Industry director general John Cridland led condemnation of the decision.
“Growing airport capacity in the south-east is critical to the UK’s economic future. Business will be extremely disappointed that the Liberal Democrat delegates fail to recognise this,” he said.
“It is unhelpful to pre-judge the decision of the Airports Commission, which the Liberal Democrats helped to set up. All parties must endorse the commission’s final recommendation when it reports back next summer.”
BATA chief executive Nathan Stower said: “The Committee on Climate Change and the [Airports] Commission have both concluded that expansion would be compatible with the UK’s climate change targets.
“The Commission has set out a clear case for one net additional runway in London and the south-east, to come into operation by 2030, and will decide between Heathrow and Gatwick.
“They looked at whether demand could be redistributed to airports outside the south-east, but found little scope and no credible policy options.
“Ruling out the Commission’s shortlisted locations before the final recommendation would not be in the national interest.”
AOA chief executive Darren Caplan said: “We continue to urge the Airports Commission to stick to its timetable, report soon after the general election next year, and for the political parties to act on its recommendations, when published.”
Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg had sought to amend his party’s policy to allow for expansion at Gatwick but his attempts were defeated at the party’s conference.