Making more use of existing regional airports like Manston and Lydd, and building new runways at existing airports rather than in the Thames Estuary would be the best way of tackling airport capacity issues, according to business leaders.

A survey for the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SE LEP) found that 64% opposed the development of a so-called Boris Island, with only 8% believing it a feasible option.

New runways at Gatwick and Stansted were seen as among the most practical ways of solving Britain’s aviation capacity issues, with 72% backing the idea.

The survey also found that business leaders supported greater use of regional airports in and around the SE LEP area (77%). Manston and Lydd received support with 60% and 52% respectively agreeing they should be expanded. Most business leaders want to see a “Heathwick” rail link between Gatwick and Heathrow.

SE LEP chairman John Spence, said: “We know the UK is losing business now while our European counterparts are reaping the benefits.

“Business leaders are not convinced about the case for a Thames Estuary airport. The resounding message is that we should look at Gatwick, Stansted and our regional airports to enhance capacity now while a longer term solution is developed.

“While there is currently some spare capacity in our system we cannot wait for action to be taken to ensure that we remain a globally competitive place.”

The survey of 250 business leaders in the region will be discussed by the SE LEP board on Friday (28) and the findings submitted to the Davies Commission as part of its investigation into the issue. The Commission is due to report in 2015. Sir Howard Davies and colleagues recently visited Medway to assess views on the Thames Estuary airport option.