UK government opt for Stansted to get new runway

In its Aviation White Paper the UK government chose Stansted airport as the site for a new runway to meet the demands of expanding air traffic in the southeast of the country.

Britain's Transport secretary, Alistair Darling, told England's parliament today that Stansted had seen "very substantial" growth in passengers in recent years but that if this continued at current rates the airport's capacity would be used up quickly.

Darling said the government's case for Stansted was backed up by the fact that the local economy is already set to grow strongly and further development at the airport would compliment plans for regional economic development.

"On balance, we have therefore concluded that the first new runway in the southeast should be developed as soon as possible at Stansted, expected to be opening around 2011 or 2012," he said.

Darling did acknowledge there was a strong case for a third runway at the UK main hub at Heathrow, but this had to be reconciled with the "difficult issue" of keeping air quality and noise levels at an acceptable level at the airport.

He added that the White Paper published today sets out proposals to find ways to increase capacity at Heathrow using existing facilities "subject to further consultation and strict environmental controls."

The White paper also set out plans for new runways at Birmingham and Edinburgh.