The airport now wants to extend its existing runway

Airport chiefs had originally said an extra runway would be needed to cater for a three-fold increase in passenger numbers to about 27m a year by 2030.

The airport has now said instead it wants to extend the existing runway and build a third passenger terminal.

It says with these extra services it would not have to re-consider having another runway until at least 2030.

The latest plans will be submitted later this year and are expected to be completed in time for the 2012 London Olympics.

'Aware of concerns'

The airport's acting managing director Joe Kelly said the extra flights each year could be just as well catered for by the extension as they would be by a second runway.

He added that the airport was also hoping to run more long-haul flights to areas such as the US.

Mr Kelly said they would be consulting local residents in nearby Catherine de Barnes, near Solihull, over the redevelopment work.

"We will do everything we can and consult with people before we put in the planning application," he said.