FURTHER government endorsement for Cardiff Airport by Gwent MP and Welsh Secretary Paul Murphy is another blow for plans to build an airport on the Severn Estuary at Newport.

During a visit, Mr Murphy confirmed his commitment to the future growth and development of Cardiff International Airport.

It comes as the government and the Assembly list the key issues for air transport in Wales, none of which mentions new airports.

Mr Murphy said he was very pleased to congratulate the airport staff on their progress in developing new routes to key UK and European airports.

"And I was able to confirm my support for the airport as an important transport gateway to the wider Welsh transport network and a key stimulus to local employment and to the wider economic regeneration of South Wales," he said.

Mr Murphy met airport boss Jon Horne, and other senior management figures, to discuss the airport's recent successes and future developments, including the decision by bmibaby to launch their second UK base at Cardiff.

Mr Horne said: "It was reassuring to learn that Mr Murphy understands the issues facing Cardiff International Airport and is very committed to supporting our future plans. I look forward to counting on that support in the future."

Mr Horne has been sceptical of the plans by a Bath-based consortium to build a gigantic airport on the Gwent Levels.

Its backers thought the government had considered the plan as viable, only to learn that expansion of Britain's air transport services was being considered at existing or new airports in the South East of England.