A cross-party campaign has launched to stop commercial flights at RAF Northolt.

Campaigners are concerned that 12,000 commercial flights a year are allowed “without any meaningful consultation” and that the base will turn into “another Luton by the back door.”

The Ministry of Defence are now expected to spend £45million to upgrade facilities so runways can take the load of larger, regional jets.

Resident Anna Williams said: “With airlines like FlyBe openly lobbying for access to Northolt, local residents are extremely worried that Northolt is set to become another Luton by the back door and effectively Heathrow’s fourth runway.

“We are asking for the MOD to consult residents on any future changes and ensure that the airport should be subject to proper planning regulations.”

The campaign has also received report from politicians, such as Labour candidate for Harrow West Gareth Thomas, who called ministers “secretive” about their plans to expand civilian aircraft capacity at Northolt, which he believes is due to delays of Heathrow’s third runway.

He said: "It is outrageous that residents will not be given any say over decisions on the future of RAF Northolt.

“Ministers have been hiding behind the airport's military designation even though there are now twice as many civilian flights operating out of the airport.”

Caroline Pidgeon AM also joined in the debate, saying RAF Northolt should “engage” with residents as with any other expansion.

She said: “"It is simply a scandal that the airport feels it can hide behind its military status and accept commercial flights with no public consultation.

"The shameful record of central government abusing its power and ignoring local residents must be challenged."

A spokesperson, who the RAF did not name, said that military flights continue to be the priority and that the investment is aimed to extend the life of the runway in general, meaning it will be closed from summer 2018 for works to begin.

The spokesman said: “Civilian commercial flights at RAF Northolt will continue to utilise spare capacity to ensure we get the best return for the taxpayer, the closure of the airfield for renovation has no association with commercialisation.”