Heathrow Airport needs to open a sixth terminal if it is to become able to cope with the requirements of extra passenger demand in the future, it has been claimed.

Responding to the government's consultation over a proposed third runway for the London hub, the British Airline Pilots' Association (Balpa) said a sixth terminal - to follow the new Terminal 5 to open at the end of March - would help the airport to compete more effectively in Europe.

It added that if a third runway is built, it should be longer than initially proposed, with a length of 2,200 metres to help the airport plan for any future spikes in flight demand.

"If the UK is going to be able to catch up with its nearby European neighbours and maintain a competitive airline industry, then runway expansion in the south-east is imperative, particularly at the UK's premier airport, London Heathrow," Balpa said in a statement.

Last week, airport operator BAA published its own response to the consultation, stating that a third runway would have "obvious benefits" for the UK economy.

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