South Ruislip's RAF Northolt should be opened for domestic flights until a new runway is built at either Heathrow or Gatwick, airline company Flybe has told MPs.

Britain's largest regional airline said there was a need for 'early wins' before either airport expands, which will not be until the 2020s.

In written evidence given to the government's Transport Committee, it said: “There is a need for early wins while waiting for long-term provision for the UK regions. With this in mind, we would like the Committee to recommend using RAF base Northolt in Ealing as a temporary ‘satellite’ facility for regional services that do not currently have air traffic until new runway capacity is built and operational. Flybe would be willing to help provide these services from around the UK to Northolt.”

The Airports Commission is in the process of determining whether to extend Heathrow or Gatwick in order to meet a rising demand for flights in south-east England.

RAF Northolt declined to comment on whether or not it would consider the proposal.