Government ministers should give more consideration to building a new runway at London's Gatwick Airport, rather than at Stansted Airport, according to a new report by a committee of MPs.

The Transport Select Committee said it was "not convinced that a national case for an additional runway at Stansted has been made" and that Gatwick Airport may be a preferred option for expansion after 2019.

In its report, the committee also backed the government's decision to support plans for the expansion of London's Heathrow Airport, but urged ministers to ensure that all major UK airports are connected to the proposed high-speed railway network.

Other recommendations include an increased ATOL levy to cover all international flights to protect consumers, higher environmental standards to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions, and action to ensure older planes are taken out of service.

Committee chair Louise Ellman MP said: "Aviation is important to the UK economy, both in the southeast of England and in the regions. Regional airports are important for regional economic growth and transport.

"Heathrow is a major European hub airport but only six UK cities have flights into it. Even with expansion, we need to improve direct access to Heathrow from the national rail network in order to maximise the economic benefits and to reduce the environmental impacts."