Heathrow expansion plans unveiled

Proposals for the addition of a third runway and sixth terminal for Heathrow airport were unveiled by the government today.

Transport secretary Ruth Kelly told reporters the expansion was necessary to ensure continued economic growth and to maintain Heathrow's status as one of the world's leading air travel hubs.

She said: "Heathrow supports 170,000 jobs, billions of pounds of British exports and is our main gateway to the global economy. But for too long it has operated at nearly full capacity, with relatively minor problems causing severe delays to passengers," Kelly said.

"If nothing changes, Heathrow's status as a world-class airport will be gradually eroded - jobs will be lost and the economy will suffer," she added. "Hear reaction to the plans from the heads."

News of the expansion comes as Heathrow and its operators the British Aviation Authority has come in for increasing criticism following a summer marked by delays and a poor record for lost baggage.

These conditions it is speculated are fuelling a tendency for travellers to shun Heathrow in favour of regional airports and others in Europe.

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