Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA - The Travel Association said:

"Following today's outcome, it is important that urgent progress is now made on delivering the additional capacity that the UK economy urgently requires.

"Forecasts show our airports are quickly reaching capacity, especially at Heathrow – the UK's main international gateway. Additional airport capacity in the South East is vital to the UK's future economic prospects and enhancing our global competitiveness, and all the more important following the decision to leave the EU. 

"ABTA supports expansion, but we are clear that full consideration must be given to the environmental impact on local communities. This is why we supported the Government's commitment to deliver expansion at Heathrow within legal air quality requirements, as well as the inclusion of a package of mitigating measures.

"ABTA believes it is vital for Heathrow and airlines to continue to work with local communities, and we support the establishment of the Heathrow Community Engagement Board, which will ensure Heathrow engages with local residents and stakeholders throughout the planning process and construction phase. We also welcome the establishment of the Independent Commission on Civil Aviation Noise to produce guidance on the process for taking future airspace change decisions."