Decades of dithering Fifty years since greater air capacity called for, 28 since third runway suggested

Heathrow saga Meanwhile...

1968

Roskill Commission set up to recommend a new London airport.

1978

Heathrow capacity is described as “restricted” in an Aviation White Paper.

1983

The Government’s planning inspector recommends additional terminals and other airport development at Heathrow by the mid-nineties.

1990

The Government commissions the Runway Capacity in the South East Study, known as RUCATSE, and which specifically raises the possibility of a third runway at Heathrow.

1992

Local elections in Hayes and Harlington focus on a potential third runway at Heathrow, with Conservative Terry Dicks campaigning on the issue and beating Labour’s John Mcdonnell by 53 votes.

1997

RUCATSE study concludes that expanding Heathrow “would afford the greatest benefits” and simultaneously grants permission for a second runway at Manchester airport.

2001

The second runway at Manchester airport is completed.

2006

Labour government says it backs a third runway at Heathrow.

2008

The Conservatives come out against the plans for the third runway.

2009

The third runway is approved by the Labour government.

2010

The coalition government rules out third runway.

June 2018

The runway becomes official policy.

1968

Richard Nixon is elected US president. There have since been eight holders of the office.

1981

Charles marries Lady Diana Spencer. They divorced 15 years later, and both their sons are now married.

1989

The world wide web is invented. Now you can book your flight, hotels and check in at the touch of a button.

1990

Nelson Mandela is freed. In 1994, he is president of South Africa but dies in 2013.

1995

There are 139 airports in China. By 2016, there are 218.

2003

Britain and the US invade Iraq. In 2011, the last British troops leave Iraq. In 2014, Britain joins the military effort against Isil in Iraq.

2007

The first iphone.