Speculation government is considering TWO new runways for southeast
Prime minister Theresa May has not ruled out building new runways at both Heathrow and Gatwick, it was revealed today.
Asked by reporters during a visit to New York if she supported more than one additional runway for the southeast, May would only say that she was considering her options.
She said: "We will look at the evidence that comes before us and we will then take a decision on the basis of that evidence.
"No a priori judgments as to what is going to happen. We will look at the evidence and take a decision."
The Airports Commission chaired by Howard Davies recommended more than a year ago that the much-needed additional runway be built at capacity-constrained Heathrow, with Gatwick cited as a viable second option.
However, the government must take the final decision on where it will actually built.
Previous PM David Cameron repeatedly postponed taking a decision, eventually handing the final call over to his successor May.
Trade unions last month called on her to approve a third runway for Heathrow, but so far the government has not indicated when a decision will be made.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Global tourism exceeds 1.5 billion travelers announces UN-Tourism
Qatar Airways offers reduced timetable to over 60 destinations
WTTC global tourism reached record economic impact of 11 trillion in 2025
Hands In, UATP join forces for airline multi-card payments
Overseas travelers to the United States declined by 2.5% in 2025