The UK Government has given the go-ahead for a third runway at Heathrow.
A competing proposal to build a second runway at Gatwick was rejected.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “The step the government is taking today is truly momentous.
“I am proud that after years of discussion and delay this government is taking decisive action to secure the UK’s place in the global aviation market, securing jobs and business opportunities for the next decade and beyond.”
He will make a statement in the House of Commons later today.
Theresa May has said Cabinet ministers will be allowed to criticise the decision for a limited period.
They will not, however, be allowed to actively campaign against it.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who is opposed to a third runway at Heathrow, is expected to be vocal in the chamber later, but has reportedly promised not to do a tour of the TV studios.
Following the decision, a public consultation will now take place on the favoured scheme.
Only then will it be put to the Commons for a vote in the winter of 2017-18, meaning the final decision in the already protracted process remains at least a year off.
