Comment: London needs stronger air links

The latest sign of the turmoil in the airline industry, caused by high oil prices and the economic downturn, is today's news of a merger between British Airways and Spain's Iberia. The deal makes much sense, and if successful, will be a welcome victory for embattled BA chief executive Willie Walsh. But the bigger headache at home for BA remains the state of its Heathrow base. Today's report on potential for expansion at London City Airport supports the case for easing strains on Heathrow by redistributing passengers away to the South-East's other runways and on to rail.

The argument is strengthening for a much wider look at how essential air links can be maintained without intolerable pressure on London residents from noise and pollution. The proposed third runway at Heathrow faces intense opposition from residents. The Competition Commission has decided that BAA's near-monopoly of London's airports - other than City, which belongs to a group of financial institutions - is indeed part of the reason for poor service at Heathrow.

Heathrow is undoubtedly overstretched. However, this newspaper has argued that runway space there could be freed up if the airport became the premiumpriced choice for business travellers to and from Britain, rather than trying to attract passengers en route elsewhere. Some flights to Paris and Brussels, which are now well served by rail, could also be dropped. This model does not suit BAA or indeed BA, but the millions who would be affect by a third runway should not have to suffer because these companies cannot adapt their business to rely less on transfer passengers.

At a time of upheaval in aviation, the Transport Secretary, Ruth Kelly, cannot afford to ignore these arguments as she considers Heathrow's future.