Bristol airport is preparing for a near doubling of passenger numbers over the next decade.

A special project team has been set up to look at options to handle the increase.

Airport chiefs said plans included extending the existing terminal - built just two years ago at a cost of �27m - and increasing the plane parking area, along with better road access and new car parks.

By the end of this year the Lulsgate-based airport will have handled 3.5m passengers - a figure which is expected to jump to about five million in four years' time.

People in Congresbury fear more noise

Deputy managing director Mike Luddy said: "I think it's important that we expand the aiport in line with demand.

"The airport already contributes �40m currently to the local economy and employs about 2,000 people.

"We believe regional airports should cope with regional demand.

"It doesn't make sense for so many people to trek down the motorway to the big London airports."

Currently 35 airlines use the airport, with plans to extend these with carriers offering long-haul USA-bound flights.

Residents of nearby Congresbury have expressed reservations over noise levels.

But the government has said that any proposed expansion plans at UK airports will not be finalised until the autumn when a White Paper will be published.