Passenger numbers are expected to rise to three million within 10 years

The airport terminal in Christchurch, Dorset, will be redeveloped with a new international arrivals hall and departure lounges, costing �32m.

Aircraft parking stands will rise from four to six, to accommodate aircraft the size of a Boeing 737.

Airport bosses drew up the plan to accommodate a predicted trebling of passenger numbers within 10 years.

This is an important milestone in the history of the airport Peter Duffy Managing director, Bournemouth Airport

The scheme has already been unanimously approved by Christchurch Borough Council and has now received confirmation from the Government Office South West that the scheme can go ahead.

Peter Duffy, managing director at Bournemouth Airport, said: "This is an important milestone in the history of the airport.

"Now we can begin to deliver the vision we set out in our master plan and deliver an airport of which the region can be proud.

"It's estimated that we will be handling three million passengers within 10 years, so it's important that we start work as soon as possible."

Council legal powers

Construction work will be spread over a four or five year period as the airport grows.

The master plan was published earlier this year after public consultation and sets out how the airport will develop over the next 23 years.

It includes a �10,000 community fund, improved transport links, bigger car parks, air quality monitoring, and an aircraft-tracking website.

The council also has legal powers to control night-time flights and engine testing for the first time under the agreement.