The Airports Commission has announced its shortlist of options for expanding the UK’s airport capacity, including new runways at Heathrow and Gatwick.

However, a new airport on the Isle of Grain has not been ruled out by the commission, which is headed by Sir Howard Davies.

Colin Matthews, Heathrow's Chief Executive, said: "Britain is better off when we're connected. The world economy is changing fast and Britain needs a world-class hub airport with the capacity to compete against Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam.  A third runway is the quickest, cheapest and surest way of connecting the UK to growth.

"We have thought afresh about how a third runway can be delivered. Our new option is different from the previous proposal for a third runway and will deliver the flights Britain needs while continuing to reduce the total number of people affected by aircraft noise."
The final report is due in 2015.