FACTBOX-Heathrow airport expansion

(Reuters) - Heathrow Airport could get a third runway and a sixth terminal to help it cope with a surge in air travel, the government said on Thursday, despite fierce opposition from environmental campaigners.

Here are some comments on the expansion plans:

* GMB NATIONAL OFFICER FOR CIVIL AIR TRANSPORT-MICK RIX:

-- "The existing infrastructure at Heathrow is worn out and lacks the capacity to serve London.."

-- "GMB believes that the opening of T5 (Terminal 5) next spring and this announcement on a new runway will enable Heathrow to compete again with other Europe Hub airports such as Amsterdam, Paris and Frankfurt which have more connecting flights to the UK than Heathrow does."

* TRANSPORT SECRETARY - RUTH KELLY:

-- "If nothing changes, Heathrow's status as a world-class airport will be gradually eroded - jobs will be lost and the economy will suffer. London and the UK's nations and regions alike are reliant on the good international connections that the Heathrow hub provides."

* AIRPORT OPERATOR BAA:

-- "Heathrow is the UK's only hub airport and one of Britain's most important economic assets. But today Heathrow is full, operating at 99 per cent of permitted runway capacity and vulnerable to foreign competition."