Plans to expand Kent airports could be buffeted by any proposal to add a second runway at Gatwick.

Gatwick owner BAA has been ordered by the Competition Commission to sell the terminal, and is reported to have sent a confidential memorandum to potential bidders outlining "secret" plans for a second runway.

According to The Times newspaper, the Commission has backed the idea, which goes counter to controversial Government plans to back a third runway at Heathrow and possibly a second runway at Stansted.

A second runway at Gatwick has long been on the cards, but under an agreement between BAA and West Sussex County Council, it was not due to have been built before 2019.

Infratil, the owner of Kent International at Manston, recently unveiled plans for expansion, and London Ashford Airport at Lydd is aiming for major growth over the next few years.

Their bosses have previously welcomed the sale of Gatwick as promoting more competition in the south east.

They believe smaller terminals such as Manston and Lydd would be attractive to passengers as less congested alternatives. But a second runway could change the scenario and focus investment on Gatwick rather than Kent.