A third Heathrow runway has been given the go-ahead, the Government has confirmed.
The third runway scheme was chosen when Prime Minister Theresa May chaired a meeting of the airport sub-committee.
Ministers at the meeting included Chancellor Philip Hammond, Business Secretary Greg Clark and Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom.
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Proposals to expand an existing runway at Heathrow or build a second runway at Gatwick were rejected.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: "The step that 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."
The move ends more than a year of uncertainty since the Davies Commission came out in favour of a third runway at Heathrow.
Boris Johnston and Justine Greening have both previously voiced their opposition to the controversial plan, with Conservative MP Zac Goldsmith threatening to resign if the expansion was given the go-ahead.
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A public consultation will now be held on the impact of a third runway at the west London hub before the final decision is put to MPs for a vote in the winter of 2017/18.
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