Senior figures at the Manchester Airports Group (MAG) believe that with new runway capacity unlikely to be created in the UK within the next ten to 15 years, airports must make the most of what they have got.

Chief executive of the company - which recently purchased Stansted Airport - Charlie Cornish said the government can help airports in the south-east of England maximise the potential of their existing facilities.

MAG outlined a number of steps the authorities can take in the short-term to ensure airports like Stansted perform strongly.

It called for quicker land access to Stansted - which can be achieved by improving rail links - and also suggested that air passenger duty rates are adjusted in order to stimulate greater international air travel.

"We have watched other countries develop their aviation infrastructure for the benefit of their economies and we have the opportunity to do the same," Mr Cornish remarked.

Earlier this month, the London Assembly dismissed claims that a new hub airport is needed in the south-east of England, insisting that airports such as Gatwick, Stansted and Luton are failing to make use of their existing runway capacity.