The UK Government has come under renewed pressure to consider the connectivity of regional airports in its decision on aviation expansion in the south-east of England.
MPs also warned David Cameron to stop “dithering” on the grounds the delay was putting the growth of regional economies at risk.
The prime minister had promised a decision on the Airports Commission’s recommendation for expansion at Heathrow by the end of last year.
But it was put back to this summer so an environmental impact could be carried out and the “best possible mitigation measures” considered.
There was further frustration among north and north-east business leaders last month after Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin hinted the decision on a new runway could be delayed by the EU referendum.
Yesterday, SNP transport spokesman Drew Hendry criticised the “dither and delay”, adding: “There is a need for this government to take a decision and to make sure regional airports are at the absolute heart of it.”
The Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey MP also warned Scotland’s routes to London were not getting adequate protection.
And he urged the Westminster Government to ensure the decision on airport expansion in the south-east would not be certified an English-only issue under new English Votes for English Laws rules.
He was speaking in a debate in Westminster Hall, the House of Commons second chamber, led by Labour MP Catherine McKinnell.
She accused Mr Cameron of consistently “kicking the can down the road” and she insisted the “wait and see” approach was not an option.
SNP MP Gavin Newlands said ministers had “clumsily kicked the debate into the long grass” until after the London mayoral election.
He also argued expansion in the south-east of England must not be viewed in a “vacuum”.
Democratic Unionist Ian Paisley called for air passenger duty to be scrapped, citing the situation in Holland where it was axed after airports were “devastated” by competition in Germany.
Aviation minister Robert Goodwill, who was replying on behalf of the government, said he could understand MPs’ frustrations around airport expansion.
But he added: “It’s vital the process is robust and all the environmental and economic factors are fully considered.”
He insisted the government expected the further work to be finished by the summer.
On Monday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon unveiled plans for a £20million expansion of Aberdeen International Airport.