Ryanair is planning to cut back flights from Stansted after criticising the airport's high costs and "appalling" service.

The company said it was more profitable to ground seven of its 40 aircraft this winter than fly them after Stansted doubled its airport charges in April.

Stansted is one of seven UK airports run by operator BAA. Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary has called for a break-up of the group.

He said: "The current service provided by BAA at Stansted is nothing short of appalling.

"We continue to press for the break-up of the BAA airport monopoly which provides abject facilities, a third-rate service and charges extortionate prices."

Mr O'Leary said passenger numbers would grow at a slower rate this winter due to the decision to cut Stansted services by nearly 20 per cent.

The carrier predicts volumes will grow by around 18 per cent to 50 million instead of the 24 per cent growth previously expected.

But Ryanair said the reduced services would also bring more stability to prices, although the company maintained its cautious outlook for the year.

Despite weaker demand, the company posted record profits of £93.8 million for the three months to June 30, 20 per cent higher than last year.