The proposed third runway at Heathrow Airport will bring many benefits if it gets the go-ahead, according to airport operator BAA.

Publishing its response to the government's consultation on the matter, the company said that the runway will create new jobs and improve the international competitiveness of the UK.

It warned that Heathrow is currently lagging behind airports in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Madrid and Paris in terms of expansion.

"Today, Heathrow is full and it is time for the UK to signal its intention to compete, for jobs and for future prosperity," commented BAA business strategy director Mike Forster.

A third runway could result in more new flights for passengers, particularly under the forthcoming open skies agreement.

The airport currently handles about 67.3 million passengers every year, providing flights from more than 90 airlines.

British Airways, bmi and Virgin Atlantic are currently among the biggest carriers that operate from the hub.

• Geneva popular with Birmingham flyers
• Stansted welcomes new European flights
• Newcastle-Stavanger flights begin
• Busy week for Aer Arann
• T5 move for long-haul flights confirmed
• New lounge opens at Inverness Airport
• Birmingham-Hamburg flights take off
• New Aer Lingus routes welcomed
• Flyers keep returning to Silverjet
• Best European airlines revealed