AIRPORT bosses are thinking of cashing in on the rail crisis - by launching their own flights to London.

Leeds-Bradford Airport managers say it costs £40,000 a week to hire a plane to transport train-weary commuters to London.

The airport aims to target businessmen who have been hit by train delays and fully-booked scheduled flights to the capital.

An airport spokeswoman said ticket prices and times were still being examined but would be 'competitive'.

She said: "It is a key time for travellers trying to get to London. We would not normally be going into this but we can see the opportunities."

The move comes as Northern Spirit warned of more train disruptions because it had been unable to carry out maintenance and safety checks on trains during the refurbishment of Leeds Station.

In addition, passengers find it hard to get seats on British Midland's three-times-a-day service to London from Leeds-Bradford because regular clients are booking ahead and the numbers are swelling. The cheapest day return tickets cost £286.

The new flight plan was welcomed by businessman Michael Heaton, of Baildon, who this week was flying to Dallas from Leeds-Bradford, via Amsterdam, because he said it was almost impossible to do it via London.

Mr Heaton, managing director of Beton Machinery Sales Ltd, of Bingley, said he would be interested in the new flights to Lon-don City Airport.

Airport committee chairman Councillor Tony Cairns said: "It is an innovative proposal and I believe we would be the first airport to try to run our own flights.

"We are looking at costs and whether we could operate a viable scheme. We are hopeful we can help businesses in the area where people are struggling to get to and from London by rail."

The airport's managing director, Ed Anderson, said: "If it happened, we would charter an aircraft, which would come with its own staff. We would like to make a profit but if we could re-cover our costs we would be happy to provide a service."

Mike Cartwright, policy executive for Bradford Chamber of Commerce, said: "The difficulties of travelling by train are well documented and this shows just how proactive the airport has been. I wish them good luck."