Bosses at the Sussex terminal are reported to believe that Prime Minister Theresa May would not block the proposed project, despite the Davies Commission regarding the building of two runways as unnecessary, The Independent reports.

Back in July 2015, Sir Howard Davies’ Airports Commission reported unanimously in favour of a third runway at Heathrow.

A Gatwick spokesperson told Sky News: "We are not going to stop making our case to government, whatever they decide."

A decision on which south-east airport will be given the go ahead to expand is expected by October 18, with May expected to back Heathrow’s growth plans, The Independent reports.

A Gatwick spokesperson told the Press Association that even if Heathrow received the green light for expansion the new runway was “likely to fail” due to a number of factors including environmental obstacles and the airports transport links.

"Gatwick would be standing ready to delivery the new (second) runway as, should Heathrow get the green light it is likely to fail as it has several times before," the spokesperson said.

"A decision on next steps will be taken after the government announcement on new runway capacity. While Gatwick does not rule out launching legal action, other groups have already said they would if Heathrow expansion is green-lighted."