UK to decide on Heathrow runway expansion by year - end

TIN news:        UK Prime Minister David Cameron has said that the country will make the final decision on the construction of a third runway at Heathrow Airport by the end of the year.
 
The suggestion of the third runway that will require an investment of around $36bn, was proposed by the Airports Commission on Wednesday in its report on the best expansion option for the UK's airspace, following a three-year study.
 
Cameron was quoted by Reuters as saying: "A decision will be made before the end of the year.
"A decision will be made before the end of the year."
 
"It is important, now that there is a very detailed report, that we study and are very clear about the legal position. If we say anything now before studying the report, we will endanger whatever decision is made."
 
While Cameron has set a deadline for the government's decision, he had promised in 2009 not to allow the construction of a new runway at the Heathrow airport.
 
Other high-profile Conservatives including London mayor Boris Johnson have opposed an expansion at Heathrow.
 
During Prime Minister's Questions, Labour party's acting leader Harriet Harman said that Cameron had a change of heart because he was being bullied by Johnson, reported BBC.
 
Cameron said that due to legal reasons involved with the massive $36bn expansion, the government was required to fully analyse the report before announcing its decision.
 
The Airports Commission headed by Howard Davies chose a third runway at Heathrow over other options including the extension of an existing runway at Heathrow, and a second runway at Gatwick Airport.