Heathrow and Gatwick airports have published ambitious expansion plans which they claim are the best ways of meeting the country's future aviation needs.

Heathrow says its scheme will create more than 100,000 new jobs in the UK and at least £100 billion of economic benefits for the country.

As the airport is the UK's only hub, Heathrow claims it is the sole means of connecting the UK with emerging markets.

Gatwick says its proposals, however, are the best solution and will ensure all passengers are better off. 

It claims increased competition will be the main benefit of a new runway on site, spurring innovation, driving cost efficiencies and ultimately ensuring the UK will be £30 billion better off over 60 years. Some 120,000 jobs will be created by the expansion, the airport claims.

The Airports Commission is to consider the relative merits of expansion at the two sites before publishing a final report next summer, with recommendations for maintaining the UK's status as a transport hub.