The government is launching the 10-week consultation today (January 17), which will give the public their first chance to give their views on Heathrow expansion plans.

The consultation, which runs until March 28, will include details on the designs of terminals, environmental impact and proposed flight paths for an enlarged Heathrow.

Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, which represents UK-registered carriers, said its members currently supported Heathrow expansion but warned about the costs of the project potentially pushing up airfares.

“This backing remains conditional upon costs being kept under control and passenger charges not increasing in real terms, and they will reserve the right to withdraw their support if this is not achievable,” he added.

“The government has rightly set out that lower fares are one of the key drivers of expansion at Heathrow, but if charges have to increase to pay for a disproportionately expensive runway, the resulting cost pressures will force up passenger fares and put at risk the viability of new and existing routes.”

A final vote on whether to approve a third runway at Heathrow is set to be held in the House of Commons during the first half of this year. Although there has been speculation in recent months about further delays to the process.