The UK government's decision to scrap plans for a third runway at Heathrow could damage Britain's competitiveness, expert engineers have warned.

Transport minister Philip Hammond has said future government aviation policy will "recognize the need for restraint", despite the importance of air travel to the UK and global economy.

Following the new government's coalition agreement, which ruled out airport expansion in the UK in favour of high speed rail, BAA has formally cancelled its development plans.

Weather and airline failure dents December stats

Airport company cites "apparent bias"

Watchdog finds "complete lack of competition"

Revenue and passenger numbers also down

UK watchdog confirms tough stance

Just before Christmas Stansted Airport unveiled its consultative master plan, not including road and rail considerations or air space.  The full documentation (including surface access) is expected to be published towards the end of the year, the actual planning application for the second runway, and all its spin offs, due sometime in the summer of 2007.  A public enquiry is forecast for 2008 with a decision by the end of the next year.  As things stand, Stansted could have a second runway in operation by the start of summer 2013.