Protesters on the opening day of the public inquiry

Stansted's owner BAA wants to increase passenger numbers at the airport from 25 million to 35 million each year.

But the operators, dominated by Ryanair and Easyjet, told the public inquiry the airport only needed to increase the number of passengers by five million.

If Stansted gets the expansion it will handle 75,000 more aircraft movements.

Plans to expand the airport were rejected by Uttlesford District Council.

The Stop Stansted Expansion campaign group, which opposes the plans, staged a protest in May earlier this year, opposite Endeavour House where the inquiry is taking place.

BAA also wants permission to increase the number of air traffic movements.