Extra runways at both Gatwick and Heathrow 'unviable' without state aid "There are some who call for the Commission to recommend more than one new runway, perhaps at both Heathrow and Gatwick," Gatwick says in the report. We do not believe that this would be viable in the light of forecast traffic growth, and would therefore not be possible without massive (and potentially illegal) public subsidies. The commission must make a clear recommendation on where the next runway should be located. Rival airports have been growing increasingly concerned amid speculation this week that Sir Howard could short-list three potential options for runway expansion in the South East - all including at least one extra air strip at Heathrow. Unsubstantiated rumours have been circulating that the short-list will involve a third runway at Heathrow, a four-runway hub at Heathrow and an extra runway at both Heathrow and Gatwick, while proposals for a new hub airport in the Thames Estuary or at Stansted could be ditched. Charlie Cornish, chief executive of Stansted's owner, Manchester Airports Group, said: "We firmly believe all credible options should be considered and taken forward for more detailed assessment during the next phase of the process. This is not, and should not be a two horse race. A Heathrow spokesman said: "There is a clear business case for a third runway at Heathrow regardless of whether Gatwick is also permitted to expand. We do not agree with Gatwick's stance that there can only be one new runway in the South East and we would welcome a solution in which both airports were allowed to grow to deliver choice for passengers and airlines.