Runway extension
You all seem to be focusing the debate on longhaul pax flights, don't forget the majority of the airport's current longhaul flights are operated by UPS, DHL and Lufthansa, to be joined in the near future by AeroLogic.
I would imagine it is their ability to meet the future requirements identified by these companies which is the main reason why the airport's management are pressing for the planning application to be determined.
roverman - if there wasn't a "business case" to extend the runway do you really think MAG would waste their time and money on the application...?