The Airports Commission has published a discussion paper on the UK's existing airport capacity.

It considers the national aviation picture which forms the backdrop to the Commission's current investigations into increasing capacity in London and the south-east.

Stakeholders and members of the public are being invited to contribute to the discussion paper, which focuses on the domestic and international connectivity provided by regional airports and airports providing services to London and the south east other than Heathrow and Gatwick.

Issues under consideration include the development of connectivity trends and airports' business models, as well as proposals to enhance the connectivity provided by these airports.

Launching the publication in Scotland, Sir Howard Davies, chair of the Airports Commission, said: "It is clear that in the future [regional] airports will play a crucial national role, especially at a time when the major London airports are operating very close to capacity.