A decision is expected later this week on whether Gatwick airport has won permission to expand its operations.

It’s a big week for Gatwick, which will find out whether the government will support its plans to almost double passenger numbers by bringing its standby runway into permanent use

The Civil Aviation Authority made the comments as it announced support for the West Sussex airport's proposed new commitments over the next four years

Commitments made by Britain's Gatwick Airport over a price cap it charges airlines and improving service targets for the next four years are set to be accepted by the aviation regulator, it said on Tuesday.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Tuesday said the plans would provide "benefits to consumers" even if Heathrow gets a third runway.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has a deadline of Thursday for her decision on whether to approve Gatwick's plan to bring its emergency runway into routine use.