The draft Master Plan for the scheme which has been developed since 2005 includes:

*  An expanded terminal to the east and west of the existing building, doubling the size of the existing terminal
*  The provision for 12 additional aircraft parking stands, located on the site of the old terminal Building
*  A four level multi-storey car park for short stay use located to the north of the existing terminal building
*  Increased long stay car parking facilities.
*  The relocation and enlargement of the fuel depot, which will be situated underground
*  The relocation of the existing fire station
*  The construction of a new staff and airline partners administrative building
*  Construction of an on-site hotel for passengers, air crew and staff

Anti-airport expansion campaigners welcomed the move and said it showed the success of their operations. The airport said it hoped the expansion would still happen within three years.

Paul Kehoe, the new managing director of the airport, said: 'We always said we could balance the economic, social and environment issues around expansion, and we now have to try and work out the impact of the airport.'