Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander broadly backed the plan with a statement she was “minded to approve” the plans but today formally extended the deadline for a final decision until the end of October.

Northern Runway plan includes new terminal buildings and transport enhancement

She explained that the nine-month delay was necessary to evaluate certain environmental adjustments requested in connection with the expansion plans.

Previously the Planning Inspectorate had made recommendations around noise and public transport provision after initially rejecting the scheme.

“I am issuing a minded to approve decision that provides some additional time to seek views from all parties on the provisions, prior to a final decision,” Alexander said in a written ministerial statement on Tuesday.

The £2.2bn project is privately financed, requiring no taxpayer money, and is shovel-ready.

The proposed plans would involve shifting the airport’s emergency northern runway sideways by 12m and upgrading it for regular short-haul use.

This change would allow for simultaneous operations on both runways while ensuring compliance with international safety standards.

Other aspects of the proposal include new buildings and extensions at both North and South Terminals.

Plans also include enhancements to airport access, improvements to surrounding highways, and additional environmental mitigation measures.