British Airways would not rule out taking legal action if the Government announced plans to expand Stansted airport rather than Heathrow.
Transport Secretary Alistair Darling is expected to publish a White Paper next month outlining where in the South- East up to three new runways could be built.
The options under consideration include a third runway at Heathrow, a second at Gatwick or up to three more at Stansted, with the latter thought to be the most likely.
But BA said if the Government backed Stansted it would look at all its options to try to get it to change its mind.
While it was not currently threatening legal action, it would also not rule it out.
Meanwhile, the company is today expected to announce a massive drop in pre-tax profits of £49 million for the three months to the end of September, down from £245 million during 2002.
Monday November 10, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article