An expansion of regional airports and a new runway at Heathrow is crucial to the future of British industry, the CBI has said.

The organisation called for expansion at Newcastle, Luton, Bristol and Liverpool airports.

In their aviation submission to the government, the CBI also said south-east England needed three more runways including the Heathrow option.

But it ruled out the need for a new Midlands airport, opting for a new runway at either East Midlands Airport or at Birmingham International.

Airport plans

A new runway at a Midlands airport Extra terminal capacity at Manchester Airport Enhanced links between Heathrow and Northern Ireland Expansion at Bristol, Newcastle and Liverpool airports

CBI director general Digby Jones said: "Expansion of airport capacity is crucial for the future success of the UK economy.

"We either respond to growing demand or face being left behind.

"In addition, Britain's position as a world leader in aviation is under threat unless we act.

"Foreign competitors would welcome our dissatisfied customers with open arms.

"The South East has the strongest market for UK aviation and the greatest concentration of airlines.

"It must be maintained as a globally competitive hub to provide vital access to international markets, encourage inward investment and support tourism."

The CBI said the UK needed Heathrow to remain a global hub airport with capacity to offer the number of flights and destinations business needs.

A hub airport was crucial to businesses throughout the UK as it links regional airports with major international routes.

Environment concerns

Only Heathrow could realistically offer the services needed for a hub airport serving the whole UK economy, said the CBI.

The first runway of the three runways for the South East would be needed at Heathrow by 2015.

The second would be required before 2020, located at Stansted because of planning restrictions at Gatwick.

The third would be needed by 2030 at either Gatwick or Stansted.

But the CBI rejected the option of building a new runway in the Thames Estuary at Cliffe in north Kent saying it would be too expensive a scheme.

Friends of the Earth's aviation campaigner, Paul de Zylva said: "It is outrageous for the CBI to suggest that the aviation industry 'has a good record on the environment'.

"It doesn't. It causes air and noise pollution, increases traffic congestion, and is the fastest growing source of climate-changing gases."