The debate over how the UK can increase its air hub capacity is rumbling on, with International Airlines Group (IAG) chief executive Willie Walsh the latest industry expert to make his feelings known.

Mr Walsh, whose firm operates British Airlines, said he would not voluntarily leave Heathrow for a new airport in the Thames estuary - the scheme that has become known as 'Boris Island'.

This plan does not appeal to the IAG chief because the costs associated with it would be "prohibitive", reports the Financial Times.

However, he also suggested a third runway will never become a reality at the London airport.

Speaking at the Airport Operators Association's conference, Mr Walsh launched a swingeing attack on politicians, claiming their concerns over election chances meant they could not coordinate plans for infrastructure development.

His comments follow the suggestion from Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate that plans for a Thames estuary hub are "sinking without a trace".