Stansted expansion approved

A massive expansion of Stansted airport in Essex has been approved by the government.

The airport’s owner BAA wants to increase passenger numbers from 25m to 35m a year and departing flights from 241,000 to 264,000, according to the BBC.

BAA has also submitted a planning application to build a second runway at the airport, which is to go to a public inquiry next year.

But if this is approved it could be built by a different owner, with the Competition Commission suggesting BAA sell off Stansted to increase competition in the industry.

Environmentalists have campaigned against the expansion, arguing the extra flights at Stansted will have global warming repercussions.