Heathrow Hub was an independent proposal put forward by former Concorde pilot Jock Lowe to extend the existing northern runway. This would allow simultaneous take-off and landings with a buffer zone in between the two sections of tarmac.

Lowe said: “Our view is the Government has selected the right location but the wrong scheme. Our proposal is cheaper, simpler, less disruptive and quicker to construct than Heathrow Airport’s third runway. The decision will result in substantially higher passenger charges and opposition from airlines, passengers and those affected in the Heathrow area.”

Heathrow Hub was shortlisted by the government as part of its consultation process. Lowe said that despite losing out, he still backed the expansion of Heathrow over Gatwick.

“We are relieved that the Government has made the correct decision in terms of location. Heathrow is where the airlines want to be; it’s where the demand is,” he said.