A cross-party group of MPs has backed the government's plans to increase airport capacity.

Crucially, the MPs rejected criticism that government policy was based on a crude philosophy of "predict and provide".

The committee called for the government to focus on expanding existing facilities rather than building new airports around the UK.

A spokesman for the Department for Transport told ePolitix.com: "The department welcomes publication of the select committee report, which was carried out in the light of the government's consultation on the future of air transport.

"We will want to take careful account of its recommendations in reaching decisions in the air transport white paper later this year."

Forum Response: British Airways

Rod Eddington, chief executive of BA, said: "I welcome the transport select committee's report which is very thorough and covers a wide range of issues. I am pleased that the committee recognises the urgent need for new capacity in the south east.

"We are in no doubt that for Heathrow to maintain its position as a prime European hub, expansion there is needed as a matter of urgency."

Forum Response: Virgin Atlantic

A spokeswoman for Virgin Atlantic told ePolitix.com: "Virgin Atlantic welcomes the findings of the House of Commons SelectCommittee, which has added its weight to the campaign for more runway capacity in the South East.

"The consensus of opinion is now overwhelmingly in favour of developing new runways at existing South East airports.

"We urge the government to move swiftly to publish a firm decision on where these runways should be locatedand the order in which they should be constructed, as well as setting a strict timetable for their completion."