Highland MP Drew Hendry warned last night that the “soap opera” over UK airport capacity was still a long way from ending.
The SNP’s transport spokesman welcomed the decision to back Heathrow, but added it was frustrating a Commons vote was at least another year off.
He said: “True to form, the UK Government’s indecisiveness and muddle, which we have witnessed for years on this, continues.
“There is still a long way to go before parliament even gets to vote on it – and the Tories are deeply and bitterly divided about it – so for businesses and travellers there will still be frustration.”
He argued it was crucial that Scotland got a fair deal, adding: “We should see a commitment on route investment, guarantees to Scottish cities and an equitable share of any public spending that might be accrued coming to Scotland.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson, Mike Rumbles, also criticised the UK Government’s decision, saying: “We are not in favour of the unlimited expansion of aviation.
“Any growth in capacity should be spread across the UK and not just focused in London.”
However, Scottish Tory leader, Ruth Davidson, described the decision as “good news for Scotland”.
She added: “The Scottish business community had been clear that expanding hub services at Heathrow was the best option to improve routes to market for Scottish goods and services.
“With a new route to Glasgow Prestwick also proposed, this should mean more choice for Scottish passengers in addition to a welcome boost for our economy.”
Meanwhile, environmental concerns have been raised over the prospect of a third Heathrow runway.
Labour’s shadow transport secretary, Andy McDonald, insisted that more assurances were needed on climate change, noise and in relation to air quality.
And Jonathan Bartley, co-leader of the Green Party, said the decision to expand Heathrow put a “wrecking ball” through the UK Government’s claim to be concerned about climate change.
Friends of the Earth Scotland director, Richard Dixon, added: “Supporting a new runway at Heathrow is incompatible with serious action on climate change.
“Emissions from aviation are already 7% of the UK total and another runway will lead to more flights and increasing damage to the climate.”