Improvement plans include extending the runway into the sea

Improving public safety and keeping the airport as a main gateway to the island overrode any environmental issues, said the inspector's report.

An airport spokeswoman said they would carefully consider any conditions imposed on the construction.

The works should meet new recommended international safety standards.

Improve conditions

Planning Inspector, Graham Self, said that to reduce the length of the runway "would limit the types of aircraft which could use the airport in future and would be likely to cause airlines to choose not to operate routes to the island".

There was one objection to the planning approval which claimed that the cost of extending the main runway was financially unsound and that night-time construction would disturb nearby residents.

Acting Deputy Minister for Local Government and the Environment, Dudley Butt MLC, accepted the inspector's recommendation subject to conditions being met.