Airport bosses have been told to develop a full case for a second runway at Gatwick by MPs – despite Heathrow being the preferred option for any expansion.

In a report for the Government’s Aviation Strategy inquiry, members of the House of Commons Transport Committee have said a third runway at London’s main airport is “long overdue”.

They add plans for a fourth runway at Heathrow “may have merit”.

However cold water was poured on the idea for adding capacity at Gatwick and Stansted to help capacity problems.

A Gatwick spokeswoman said: “London Gatwick will be submitting evidence to the Airports Commission which will show a second runway at Gatwick is the most deliverable solution and will provide the connections the UK needs whilst minimising environmental impacts.”