Heathrow’s third runway debate has sparked a reaction from the business community as the Institute of Directors (IoD) called for an economic boost that would come with the approval of the project.

Conservative MP and Chairman of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee, Tim Yeo, said in a Daily Telegraph article that the Prime Minister needed to authorize the controversial plans to build a third runway at London’s Heathrow Airport, and “kick-start Britain’s sluggish economy”.

The IoD reacted to Mr Yeo’s provocation, and showed support for his comments.

Simon Walker, Director General of IoD said: “Airports are a crucial economic link to opportunities for exports and inward investment, and we cannot afford to fall behind by not having enough capacity.

“It is concerning that the Government appeared to rule out Heathrow even before the consultation was over, and that the decision has been delayed.

“There is no doubt that we need more airport capacity, and the longer the Government delays deciding where it will be, the more chances for trade we will miss.”

Conservative MPs have put pressure on David Cameron to reverse the rejection of the aviation policy, while the Transport Secretary Justine Greening has reportedly expressed her opposition to the airport expansion.

Demands from politicians and business leaders to expand the airport focus on the benefits to UK trade and the economic boost it could provide, while opposers argue against the proposals on enviromental grounds.