The transport secretary will this week reveal further details on the government's proposals for new British airport space.

Alistair Darling will outline plans to double the capacity at Gatwick airport by adding a second runway and launch a consultation paper with the Treasury on taxing the airline industry.

Forum Response: British Airways

A spokesman for British Airways told ePolitix.com: "Of the runway options in the government's consultation paper, we believe that a third runway at Heathrow is essential if Britain is to have an effective international airport hub. However, we need to ensure that there is sufficient airport capacity for all airlines whether they are full service, no-frills, charter or cargo.

"The government's consultation paper covers a 30 year period and the agreement between BAA and West Sussex County Council expires in 2019 when an additional runway at Gatwick should be considered along with all the other options.

"Britain's airport infrastructure is already lagging behind that of other European countries and we urge the government to reach a decision about future airport capacity as soon as possible.

"As well as ensuring that Britain will continue to gain economic benefits from aviation, a speedy decision will also help reduce uncertainty in the aviation industry and in those local communities that would be directly affected by runway developments."

Forum Response: Woodland Trust

Ed Pomfret of the Woodland Trust said: "Development of Gatwick would spell even more destruction for our dwindling ancient woodland. The airport is surrounded by ancient woodland that could be cleared if expansion were to go ahead. The government should think again about the whole issue of airport expansion.

"The proposals for expansion around other airports could cause direct loss of nearly 900 acres of ancient woodland in areas such as Stansted, Rugby and Manchester. This figure grows to almost 2500 acres if you take into account the impact of increased pollution and urbanisation around the sites.

"The last thing we need is for yet another needless expansion proposal to be on the agenda. Ancient woods are irreplaceable natural habitats and we cannot afford to lose any more.

"With aviation predicted to become one of the single biggest contributors to climate change by 2050, we also believe that demand should be managed to prevent further serious environmental problems. This could be achieved by measures such as a tax on aviation fuel so that the cost of air travel better reflects the cost to the environment."