Britain braces for showdown over airport expansion

London

A DECADES-LONG battle to expand Britain's overcrowded airports is set for a crunch decision in the coming weeks, as the world's fifth largest economy seeks to resolve a row that has bedevilled successive governments and risks choking economic growth.

The UK's aviation sector is worth £32 billion (S$67.6 billion) and represents 2.1 per cent of its economy. But the country's top two airports Heathrow and Gatwick are at and near to maximum capacity and losing passengers to booming hubs such as Dubai and Amsterdam's Schiphol that can offer more flights to new destinations such as China.

Business leaders and politicians can only agree on the need for a new UK runway. Where it should be has been hotly contested for over 25 years. Now, a government-appointed Airports Commission will emerge from three years of conside…