Heathrow is challenging Gatwick over claims it could support long-haul services.

It has submitted evidence today (September 27th) to the Airports Commission, in which it argues that Gatwick has seen 20 long-haul companies withdraw over the last five years, in addition to one airline - Garuda Indonesia - postponing its flights.

Gatwick believes such flights do not need a hub airport, while Heathrow states it has been full over the last ten years compared to the former's failure to deliver similar services.

Heathrow's chief executive Colin Matthews said: "There is no need for a crystal ball to test Gatwick’s claims that it can provide long-haul flights when we have the hard evidence of ten years of failure."

The airport - which is just one six airports in the world to offer flights to more than 50 long-haul destinations - further claims to serve 70 worldwide locations not available at other UK airports. It also states it could add an additional 100 services if an extra runway was built.