The future of Britain's airports is due to be announced by transport secretary Alistair Darling later today - with Stansted coming out as favourite for a new runway.

The Transport Secretary will end months of speculation when he releases the long-awaited aviation white paper.

It will set out how ministers believe Britain will cope with the massive rise in airline passenger growth over the next 30 years.

He is widely believed to have opted for a new runway at Stansted Airport - a move which is expected to be disputed by campaigners and a number of airlines.

Published Tuesday December 16, 2003

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