The High Court ruling may not be known until next year

The airport's owners lodged an appeal against a government decision to block the expansion plans last year.

A public inquiry concluded a new terminal would have an adverse impact on noise in the area.

The appeal, which could last weeks, has been scheduled for the first available date after 6 October. The ruling may not be known until early 2009.

City 'regeneration'

The airport's owners claim that decision was legally flawed and that they are hoping to resolve concerns about noise.

The terminal would be able to handle up to two million passengers a year.

Airport protesters have campaigned about the new terminal saying it raises issues of noise and pollution.

However, Chris Orphanou, the airport's managing director, said previously that customers, MPs and firms wanting to invest in Coventry had urged the airport to make the appeal.

"The airport can play a major part in the economic regeneration of Coventry and provide a cost-effective use of resources for customers who would otherwise have to travel to airports as far away as Stansted," he said.

Mr Justice Wyn Williams scheduled the October date for the complex hearing, where the airport will raise 19 grounds to challenge the government's decision.