Newquay Cornwall Airport has welcomed the approval of planning permission for an expansion scheme which will subsequently increase the capacity of the airport and improve the range and quality of services to passengers.

The proposals, supported by the planning board, will allow the airport to grow to a throughput of around 700,000 and are badly needed given the growth expected this year as a result of 13 additional destinations now being served direct.

Key components of the development include:

• A new arrivals hall with additional capacity;
• Conversion of the existing baggage hall into an expanded departure lounge with an additional outlet, a business lounge and significant additional seating;
• Additional capacity to car parking to cover for the increased passenger throughput;
• A covered walkway linking arrivals and departures;
• A comprehensive landscaping scheme including additional security measures.

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He concluded: "2008 will be a momentous year with a major investment programme delivering the move to a full civil operation, exciting new routes, new facilities and new capacity, confirming the Airport’s status as one of Cornwall's most important gateways."

Chris Cain, Project Director, added: "We have been gearing up to start work as soon as planning permission was received so this week's decision was great news, allowing us to make an early start."

"The aim is to have the bulk of the works completed by Whitsun, with remaining works and landscaping over the early summer.

"We have been working closely with Dean and Dyball, the appointed contractors, to design working methods that will minimise disruption to passengers - we are confident this will be kept to an absolute minimum."

(JM)