Decision on third runway delayed

A decision on whether a third runway should be built at Heathrow Airport has been put back to January 2009, the Department for Transport has said.

A decision on the controversial plans for a third runway had been expected before Christmas.

It had been reported the cabinet was split over the issue. The Tories and Lib Dems oppose a third runway.

Airport owner BAA and its main customer British Airways say the runway is vital if the airport is to stay competitive.