British Airways has threatened to move its operations to Dublin or Madrid if the British government decides to proceed with its Heathrow expansion plan, according to International Business Times.

The parent company International Airlines Group (IAG) warned the plan cost £ 17.6 billion would lead to an increase in charges for passengers.

The warning came shortly after the British government announced the construction of a new runway in the airport. The move will continue for a further six months.

During a speech at the Aviation Club in London, AG chief executive Willie Walsh said that the runway would cost only about 1% of the entire budget.

"Heathrow is not IAG's only hub. We can develop our business via Madrid, which has spare capacity, and Dublin, where there are plans for a cost-effective and efficient second runway," he said.

Sources: MENA