Proposals to try and wean UK travellers off short-haul flights and onto improved rail links have been widely criticised by airlines which said train travel will never become a complete substitute for flying.

British Airways disagreed with Labour''s policy of progressive replacement which was unveiled by transport secretary Lord Adonis today.

The airline giant questioned the legitimacy and credibility of the new policy which it believes is not an adequate alternative to short-haul flights.

Pro-aviation lobby group Flying Matters told the Guardian that certain areas could be cut off from any improved national rail network.

Michelle Di Leo, director of the lobby group, said: "How would you get from Edinburgh to Belfast by train in a reasonable amount of time? You can''t force people to use options which don''t currently exist."

Talks between British Airways and trade unions representing its staff have recently broken down, which could add to its concerns over the new government policy.

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