Heathrow is not against expanding Gatwick airport with an additional runway, it announced today (December 12th).

Yet it feels this should not overlook its own plans to improve capacity, arguing the two facilitate different markets. Whereas Heathrow caters to various international destinations and long haul flights, it views its competitor as catering to point-to-point services.

A spokesperson said: "We do not agree with Gatwick's stance that there can only be one new runway in the south-east and we would welcome a solution in which both airports were allowed to grow to deliver choice for passengers and airlines."

Its declaration comes in response to an in-depth report from Gatwick, comparing the two as candidates in the Davies Commission. Gatwick concludes it is superior to Heathrow in adapting to environmental issues, as well as being cheaper and quicker to expand.

Gatwick believes the two best options are to give Heathrow a third runway, or to instead allow one to itself so both facilities have two.