Air Transport

UK transport secretary Geoff Hoon is expected to announce today that a third runway will be built at London Heathrow airport.

Media reports in the UK say Hoon is due to announce approval of the controversial third runway today, despite intense opposition from environmental groups and many politicians.

Hoon had indicated a decision would be made on the proposed third runway before the end of 2008 but said last month that a decision had been delayed until this month to allow the Government more time to consider evidence.

The BBC says despite the Government approving the third runway, it will still be years before it will be built as there will be a debate in Parliament and planning permission will have to be obtained. It says this means work on the new runway is unlikely to be completed before 2019.