NO decision will be taken on a third runway at Heathrow until a new Conservative leader is elected, the Government confirmed.
David Cameron was expected to confirm as early as next week whether Heathrow or its rival Gatwick would get the go-ahead to build a new runway, but his resignation following the Brexit vote has put the decision on hold.
In a statement to the House of Commons, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "I had hoped that we would be able to announce a decision on airport capacity this summer.
"Clearly any announcement on airport capacity would have to be made when the House is in session and being realistic, given recent events, I cannot now foresee an announcement until at least October."
A decision was initially expected in December last year, after a long-awaited report by the Airports Commission backed a third runway at Heathrow.
However, it was delayed pending the outcome of various pollution, noise and compensation studies.
Campaigners against the development will now be pinning their hopes on success for Teresa May, a frontrunner in the race for Number 10, since the Home Secretary is known to oppose a third runway.
The new delay was met with dismay from industry, however.
Darren Caplan, chief executive of the Airport Operators' Association, said its members were "deeply disappointed".
He added: “At this time of increased uncertainty, the Government should be putting its foot on the accelerator of the UK economy – not delaying making important infrastructure decisions that can help it succeed. We continue to urge the Government to make a decision on airport capacity as soon as possible."
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of the British Air Transport Association (BATA), which represents UK registered airlines, said he saw "no reason" why the referendum result should delay the decision again.
He added: “The referendum result means there is now an even more vital role for UK aviation and need for the country to have improved transport links with the rest of the world. A speedy decision on airport capacity would not only send a clear and positive signal that the UK is still in business."
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