Expanding Heathrow is "critical" for the UK if it's to successfully exit the European Union, a new study has found.
The first post-Brexit report into the independent Airport Commission study has found that expanding Heathrow could boost UK GDP by up to £24,500 a family - double that of Gatwick.
The Centre for Economic and Business research said Heathrow's connectivity and cargo capacity means the expanded airport will be an "engine of Brexit growth, driving opportunity up and down the UK”.
The report added that if the Prime Minister opts for Gatwick, it “could be a political and economic gamble that could be costly for decades”.
Vicky Pryce, Cebr’s chief economic adviser said: “Airport expansion has been a thorny issue for governments of every political hue. What this analysis shows is the centrality of Heathrow to the British economy.
"There can be few more important decisions the Government must make, especially after the EU referendum. The price of making the wrong decision by the Prime Minister will be a political and economic gamble that could be costly for decades.”
“If we are to succeed outside of the European Union, every choice the Government makes must aim to deliver a stronger, more competitive economy and seek to encourage growth in the regions, as well as in London. On both those measures, this report shows Heathrow's future will be crucial in reducing the uncertainties of a post-Brexit world," said Pryce.
The report also showed that "only" Heathrow has the potential to create more than 100,000 new jobs and up to £56bn more GDP than Gatwick outside of London.
Last month, Gatwick created a growth board to examine impacts of airport expansion.