The UK transport secretary has promised regional connectivity will be an important factor in the decision over where to site a new runway in the south-east of England.
Chris Grayling gave an “absolute commitment” that expansion – whether at Heathrow or Gatwick – would bring better links within the UK.
He told the Press and Journal the mechanism for achieving this would be set out once a decision on location had been made.
The Conservatives have faced accusations of kicking the Airports Commission’s final report – which recommended a third Heathrow runway – into touch.
Former prime minister David Cameron promised a decision by the end of last year, but it was put back to this summer.
The now ex-transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin then said it would be this month.
Yesterday, Mr Grayling refused to name a date, but said there would be an announcement “shortly”.
He added: “We are not going to leave people waiting forever for this.”
He said the three proposals – two for Heathrow and one for Gatwick – were “all very attractive in their own ways”.
Asked about regional links, he said: “I’m very clear that it’s important that whether it’s Heathrow or Gatwick we ensure additional capacity created can provide better links within the UK.
“Whatever the appropriate mechanism to do that is, there has to be that certainty for regional airports that they will be able to link into the expanding capacity of the south-east.
“I’m absolutely clear that some of the capacity must be available for regional airports to create connectivity.
“Inverness is an obvious example of somewhere that we want to see links internationally, not just within the UK.
“There’s an absolute commitment that part of this package has got to be improving regional connectivity.”
Stewart Nicol, chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, which backs expansion at Heathrow, welcomed Mr Grayling’s comments.
He said: “Better connectivity to both the south-east, London and, as the minister says, to international destinations will be critical.”
