Bristol International's four millionth passenger and his family celebrate

The figure is the highest in its 74 years of operation.

Passenger figures have grown rapidly over recent years, helped by the introduction of new low-cost airlines and new destinations.

It took the airport 60 years to expand to one million passengers, a number it now handles in three months.

The airport's managing director, Andrew Skipp, said: "There is no doubt that four million passengers is a major milestone in the development of the airport.

"We have worked very hard over recent years to provide people in the South West with the routes they want."

This year in total 4.5 million passengers are expected to use the airport.

Bristol International is now the fourth largest regional airport in the UK.