Birmingham Airport sees 500,000 flights on the horizon

A second runway has been proposed today by airport bosses keen to increase the number of passengers they can handle from nine million to more than 70 million each year.

A new terminal would be built as part of the plans for a new railway station that would handle the 225mph high-speed trains on the planned HS2 line. Bosses say expanding Birmingham Airport alongside the M42 gateway project and the HS2 line is a 'once in a generation' opportunity to meet the UK's aviation capacity needs.

They also say it would complement a potential business park at the site.

The Airport Commission will release a report in December saying whether it backs the idea. No costings have been revealed.

• Birmingham Airport unveils second runway plan

The proposals are in addition to the current runway extension which is due to open in spring next year.

The length of the airport's existing only runway will increase by 1,328ft (405 metres) at a cost of £33 million. Business and council leaders and an MP today hailed the proposals as helping to bring prosperity to the West Midlands.

Sandwell Chamber of Commerce president Ninder Johal said: "In order to operate in a global marketplace, it's important exporters are able to access Birmingham easily."

Global

"Investors outside need to be confident they can fly into Birmingham and talk to firms in the West Midlands. Of course, we would welcome the creation of new jobs.

"It's fantastic the airport is thinking positively in the short and long term."

Mark Garnier, Conservative MP for Wyre Forest, said: "A global travel hub at Birmingham Airport will bring long-haul air-travel to within one hour of the airport for 45 million people by 2032 when the HS2 network is fully operational.

"This will make it the most accessible airport in Britain."

Sir Albert Bore, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: "This vision will help bring trade and prosperity for Britain's industrial base in the Midlands, just as Heathrow has helped the hi-tech concentration along the M4 corridor and helped support the global position of the city."

Jerry Blackett, chief executive of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, said: "At a time of our manufacturing renaissance, it makes no sense for business people to traipse to London to travel to major markets overseas. To succeed, our business people need direct, convenient flights to visit suppliers and clients in major new markets like China and India."