BAA has today called for the construction of up to three new airport runways for the south east of England.

According to BAA, there are three sites from which the government should choose its options when formulating plans to cope with an expected huge expansion in air traffic over the next 30 years.Its recommendations could see a new runway at each of Heathrow and Gatwick airports and up to two new runways at Stansted.

It hopes that a decision will be made before the end of 2003, if only to spare continuing uncertainty to people living near airports where there will be no development.Mike Clasper, BAA's chief executive designate, said: This is a critical decision for the UK. Doing nothing in the face of these realities is not an option. If we do not provide the infrastructure for the industry to grow, we will cause significant damage to our country's international competitiveness.

He continued: Aviation is also essential for the UK tourism industry, the country's biggest employer. It offers services, today affordable by virtually everyone, to enjoy new travel opportunities.Anti-expansion campaigners at all three sites are said to have reacted angrily to the announcement, but the report appears to have killed off the idea of constructing a brand new airport at Cliffe on Kent's Isle of Grain. Details: www.baa.com