Labour ministers have reportedly selected the most expensive proposals to expand Heathrow airport and add a third runway to the country’s central flight hub. The Department for Transport has backed the proposal set to cost the country £49 billion, which requires moving part of the M25 motorway.

The move saw a cheaper proposal, estimated at around £23 billion, get passed over. It would have had a shorter runway and avoid the need to move the main London orbital ring road. Ministers at the department opted for the more expensive option, despite opposition from top airlines such as BA and Virgin. Earlier this month, BA CEO Sean Doyle warned ministers to “avoid moving the M25” as part of the expansion plans.

Rachel Reeves issued Heathrow warning as expansion may lead to more cost misery

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