But Grayling, speaking at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, did not express any preference for expansion at Heathrow or Gatwick.

“We have a big decision to take about airport capacity,” he said. “If we are going to have an economy that works for everyone and take advantage of all the opportunities that Brexit will give us then we will need great links around the world.

“By building a new runway in the south-east, we will send a signal to the world that Britain is open for business.

“It won’t just be the south-east of England that benefits, regional airports will benefit from expansion too. This decision, this plan is good for the whole of the British economy.”

The government-appointed Airports Commission recommended building a third runway at Heathrow when it published its final report last year – in preference to a second runway at Gatwick.

But the government’s response and final decision has been delayed – initially by the need for more detailed information on the potential environmental impact of new runways at Heathrow and Gatwick.

It was then put back further by the change in leadership of the government following the Brexit referendum vote.

Grayling added: “One of my first actions as secretary of state was to approve the expansion of London City airport opening up more strategic routes into the heart of our capital.”