CAMPAIGNERS will be celebrating the news that the owner's of Stansted Airport have shelved plans to build a second runway in the face of government opposition, but fears still exist that this could see in an increase in flights from other airports.

BAA confirmed this afternoon that its planning application to expand the Essex airport have been withdrawn – along with another application to build a third runway at Heathrow.

Groups opposed to an increase in air traffic have welcomed the move, but remain concerned about the wider future of aviation over London and the surrounding area.

Barry Griffin, of campaign group Fight the Flights which opposes increases in traffic from London City Airport, said the move was good news but it could have implications for other airports.

Mr Griffin said: “It's good news that government have given their position on Stansted, as well as Heathrow and Gatwick.

“But there are fears that they could say 'OK, no expansion for the big airports, but now let's look at the smaller ones', like London City and Southend.”

Fight the Flights are currently engaged in a legal fight against Newham Council's decision to grant planning permission for expansion at City Airport.

The have launched a judicial review at the High Court and expect to find out whether they have been successful sometime later this summer.