The Crawley-based airport took a 12 point lead in a YouGov poll, commissioned to get Londoners’ views on who they believe should be granted permission to expand.

This is the largest lead Gatwick has had over its West London counterpart since records began in September 2014.

Gatwick, which was the UK’s second busiest airport in 2015, proved more favourable with local residents on a number of issues.

Forty-three per cent of those polled believed the airport would cause less air and noise pollution, 39% concluded that it would cost the taxpayer less and 36% think that a Gatwick runway would be built quicker than one at Heathrow.

However, Heathrow did secure the public’s backing when it came to the economic benefit which a new runway could bring to the UK.

Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate believes “the momentum” is now with his airport to secure the greenlight for future expansion, he said: “Time after time Londoners say Gatwick expansion is best for the environment, for the taxpayer, regeneration, competition and for speed of delivery. These very same Londoners would be forced to live with illegal air quality levels if Heathrow expands – so their views need to be taken seriously.

"Momentum is with Gatwick as more people recognise it is the only solution that balances the economy and the environment. It is also the only plan that is actually legal, so if we want Britain to get on with it the answer is obvious.”