Heathrow Airport's operator has welcomed the government's decision to delay the decision over expansion until the new year.

Today, Geoff Hoon, the secretary of state for transport, announced he will not be making a decision over whether or not to allow a third runway until January next year.

He has said he want to take time to consider the evidence.

Damon Hunt, a spokesman, said: “Given the complexity of the issues involved, we understand why the government is taking further time to consider these matters.

“We welcome the fact that the government has now committed to making a decision in January on how we keep Heathrow and this country by maintaining our direct access to the world.”

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