Edinburgh Airport has made clear that it is ‘disappointed’ with today’s decision by the UK Airports Commission to allow a third runway to be built at London Heathrow Airport, and continues to back Gatwick as the more viable option.

In a statement released today, a spokesperson for the Scottish airport said: “We’re disappointed with today’s announcement. We’ve been clear in our argument that expansion at Heathrow is not deliverable and as a result there can be no increased capacity in the south-east. Long-haul flights can’t fly from a runway that won’t be built.

“Gatwick is the more deliverable option for Scottish passengers and we’re urging the government to make a quick decision on this.”

Airports Commission Chairman Sir Howard Davies made the announcement this morning, although as predicted by some canny national media, he also left a back door open for future debate about potential expansion at London Gatwick Airport.