A decision is expected later this week on whether Gatwick airport has won permission to expand its operations.

Commitments made by Britain's Gatwick Airport over a price cap it charges airlines and improving service targets for the next four years are set to be accepted by the aviation regulator, it said on Tuesday.

The Civil Aviation Authority made the comments as it announced support for the West Sussex airport's proposed new commitments over the next four years

Cargo coming into Gatwick could double if plans for expansion are approved, the airport has said. The West Sussex airport has submitted plans to bring its northern runway, normally a taxiway, into regular use for routine flights. An increase in cargo imports could generate 35,000 new jobs and add £2bn to the economy every year, the airport said.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has a deadline of Thursday for her decision on whether to approve Gatwick's plan to bring its emergency runway into routine use.