 Stansted Airport want to build a new runway |
The need for a new runway at Stansted Airport in Essex has been questioned by British Airways (BA) new chief executive Willie Walsh. Mr Walsh also said he would fight any proposals to force BA to pay for the new runway.
"Additional runway capacity is needed but we believe that should be at Heathrow," he said.
Stansted Airport said it was not surprised by the views as BA was part of a consortium backing Heathrow.
Mr Walsh, who has just taken over at BA, added: "I don't mind if someone else wants a new runway built, but why should it be funded by users.
"We are opposed to the carriers at Heathrow and Gatwick funding a runway at Stansted."
Mark Davison, spokesman for Stansted Airport Ltd, said: "A number of airlines want the new runway at Stansted.
"The problem with Heathrow is the air quality issue which isn't a problem with Stansted."
He said the funding of any expansion would be decided by the airport regulators.
Carol Barbone, campaign director of Stop Stansted Expansion, said Mr Walsh's views backed the group's position that a new runway was "wholly unsustainable" economically.
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