Sir Richard Branson has accused politicians of refusing to back expansion at Heathrow because they are more concerned about their own careers rather than doing "what is right for the country".
The billionaire founder of the Virgin Group said the UK is being "held back" by the Government's delay in backing a third runway at the west London airport.
London Mayor Boris Johnson has been a vehement opponent of Heathrow expansion, while in October 2009 Prime Minister David Cameron declared that he would not support the project, saying ''No ifs, no buts''.
Both Zac Goldsmith and Sadiq Khan - the respective Conservative and Labour candidates to succeed Mr Johnson - are also campaigning against a third runway.
Asked if he was hopeful for a decision from the Government this summer on whether to back expansion at Heathrow or Gatwick, Sir Richard replied: "It would be good if certain politicians could stand up for what they believe is right in this country and not for their own reasons."
He added: "Britain and London is being held back massively.
"Sadly one or two politicians are doing what's right for themselves and not what is right for the country"
The entrepreneur urged the Government to be "bold and brave on big infrastructure decisions like this".
Sir Richard claimed his views were based on "what I believe is right for Great Britain", noting that Virgin Atlantic would "almost definitely suffer from more competition at Heathrow".
He added: "That competition will be of enormous benefit to the travelling public."
The Davies Commission recommended last July that a third runway should be built at Heathrow, at a cost of £18.6 billion.
But the Government said in December that it is also considering a second runway at Gatwick, which would cost £9.3 billion.
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