Gatwick will go ahead with preparations to expand even if rival Heathrow gets the nod from government for a third runway, it is reported.
MPs are expected to vote on the chosen scheme within a fortnight of the announcement, to strengthen the chosen project’s case.
But a Gatwick spokesman said he believed that even if Heathrow got the green light the project would never get off the ground because of environmental obstacles, legal challenges and concerns over the cost of upgrading the airport’s transport links.
“Gatwick would be standing ready to delivery the new (second) runway as, should Heathrow get the green light it is likely to fail as it has several times before,” a spokesman told the Press Association.
“A decision on next steps will be taken after the government announcement on new runway capacity. While Gatwick does not rule out launching legal action, other groups have already said they would if Heathrow expansion is green-lighted.”
A Gatwick spokesman told Sky News: “We are not going to stop making our case to government, whatever they decide.”
The Airport Operators Association said an early decision would affirm Britain remains committed to trading with the rest of the world following voters’ decision to leave the European Union.