PROPOSALS have been unveiled for the development of a third passenger terminal at Birmingham International Airport.

Expansion plans also include an extension to the existing runway and construction of a second runway.

Airport bosses said the number of passengers using the airport every year was expected to rise to more than 30 million over the next 25 years.

Managing director Richard Heard said: "In the West Midlands, Birmingham plays a vital role supporting the economy. Research shows that by 2030, the airport could handle 33 million passengers, support more than 27,000 jobs, and generate around a billion pounds of income."

income in the region.

The need and demand for air travel is forecast to grow in the future, with airports becoming an increasingly important focus for the development of regional economies.

"In the West Midlands, Birmingham plays a vital role in supporting the economy, with research showing that by the year 2030, the airport could handle 33 million passengers, support over 27,000 job opportunities, and generate around a billion pounds of income in the region.

"In the ever-changing and increasingly international world that we live in today, standing still is not an option.

Mr Heard encouraged residents and environmentalists to take part in the consultation exercise, which concludes on March 31, 2006.

He said: "We want to receive views from as many people as possible, to ensure that Birmingham International Airport's future enhances the prosperity and well-being of the Midlands and its people."

said the draft Master Plan would now go out to consultation and urged interested parties to take part.