Bournemouth Airport passengers totalled 830,000 in 2005

The Dorset airport expects passenger numbers to grow from just under one million this year to three million within 10 years.

Plans to build a new terminal have been dropped in favour of improving the existing site, with the removal of decades-old temporary buildings.

Work on the upgrade will begin next summer and is expected to take up to five years.

Peter Duffy, the airport's managing director, said: "It is important that we start planning for this growth as soon as possible."

The first phase of redevelopment will focus on the construction of a new international arrivals hall.

Other upgrades will include improved surface access, improved public transport links, a realignment of the eastern apron, new aircraft stands and additional parking.

The number of passengers using Bournemouth airport nearly doubled from 460,000 in 2003 to 830,000 in 2005.