Stansted set for second runway

12/03/2008

Stansted Airport could get a second runway by 2015 if proposals from the airport's operator BAA are approved.

It has submitted a planning application detailing plans to add a £2.5 billion new runway and terminal to meet demand from 68 million passengers a year by 2030.

It is expected that the airport would generate around £9 billion a year, as well as creating 13,000 jobs for the region.

The proposals have met with some criticism from anti-expansion campaigners, who argue such expansion could negatively affect the environment and local residents. But UK business has called for the work to go ahead.

"With the UK economy now facing a slowdown, it could not be more crucial that the country's third busiest airport is permitted to expand," said Sir David Frost, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce.

"We cannot simply shut up shop and allow our European competitors to benefit."