Increases in airport charges could help fund a new runway

Luton-based Easyjet and Ryanair, who say they account for about 80% of Stansted's passengers, said the charges are set to rise by almost 300%.

This comes despite the British Airports Authority (BAA), which runs Stansted, seeing its profits rise by 19%,

But a BAA spokesman said the plan was just an early proposal with reference to the potential costs of a new runway.

He said no decisions had been taken and he expected there would be a frank exchange of views before any final decision was taken.

'Marble-lined terminals'

Easyjet and Ryanair issued a statement saying the airlines "have always argued that it is necessary to develop Stansted Airport - providing the infrastructure meets the needs of Stansted's customers.

"This means constructing a new runway and associated terminals that are fit for low-cost airlines.

"It doesn't mean building a long-haul airport capable of taking an A380 with marble-lined terminals to match."