The long-awaited decision is likely to come down in Heathrow’s favour, The Sunday Times reported, in a move that would throw the Conservative party into disarray.

Known opponents of the west London airport include Tory mayoral candidate Zac Goldsmith, Justine Greening, the international development secretary and foreign secretary Philip Hammond.

A cabinet sub-committee made up of 10 MPs will make the decision.

“If the decision is for a third runway at Heathrow, it wouldn’t be a surprise given the way the subcommittee has been stacked with cabinet members who support [the] expansion of Heathrow,” said John Stewart, chairman of the Hacan ClearSkies campaign group.

The government-appointed Airports Commission delivered its final report in July. It came down in favour of a new north-west runway at Heathrow. Despite the setback, rival Gatwick is still lobbying to get the go-ahead for a second runway.