Now battle begins over 3rd runway

The next major development proposed for Heathrow - a third runway - will trigger a new battle between environmentalists and the aviation industry.

British Airways is campaigning for another runway in the South-East, saying that by 2010 Heathrow will trail six other European airports for hourly runway movement. Big business has thrown its weight behind a third runway for Heathrow.

Three-quarters of travellers use airports in the South-East but there has been no new runway since the Second World War. But opponents say the third runway is a bigger threat to air quality and quality of life than T5.

BAA says the runway is a "matter for Government" and will be decided on in a White Paper.