The U.K. government has provided provisional approval to the creation of a second runway at Gatwick Airport outside London.

Britain will decide on Thursday whether to allow Gatwick Airport to expand, a move that could add millions of extra passengers at the country's no.2 hub and help boost economic growth.With the government keen to greenlight infrastructure projects to revive a sluggish economy,

The Government has delayed a decision on a second runway at Gatwick despite its pledge to “defy eco-warriors” on the £2.2bn...

London-Gatwick Airport has welcomed the UK government’s response to its second runway application despite its decision to extend the process.

Gatwick is the UK's second busiest airport and one of the busiest single-runway airports in the world. It is understood that Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has “set out a path to approving” Gatwi

Gatwick has said the second runway expansion would allow around 100,000 more flights per year and create 14,000 jobs.

Gatwick has until April 24 to respond to the new proposals, with Ms Alexander anticipated to make a final decision shortly thereafter, although her deadline has been extended to October 27. The source stated: "The Transport Secretary has set out a path to approving the expansion of Gatwick today following the Planning Inspectorate's recommendation to refuse the original application.

The UK gave its tentative backing to a plan to expand London’s Gatwick airport, as the Labour government insisted it can push ahead with major infrastructure projects while still meeting its environmental commitments.

Britain is inclined to approve the expansion of its second largest airport Gatwick, the government said on Thursday, over objections from environmentalists and during a push on infrastructure to drive economic growth.

London Gatwick Airport's plans to expand have been boosted by a UK minister's decision to support the scheme. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced she "minded to approve" the expansion if the project is adjusted.