Around the World: United Kingdom

New Heathrow runway

Britain yesterday gave the go-ahead to building a 9 billion pound ($13.2 billion) third runway at London's congested Heathrow airport, delighting the aviation industry but enraging environmentalists.

Transport Minister Geoff Hoon also told parliament he was approving the construction of an extra terminal at the world's busiest international airport, less than a year after it opened its fifth terminal after much delay due to opposition from campaigners.