Birmingham airport has unveiled a new draft master plan, which outlines its ambition to grow traffic by 40 per cent – to 18 million passengers per year by 2033.
"Extensive consultation" will run to the end of January to seek views from local communities and stakeholders.
The airport said the plan reaffirms its "commitment to serve the region and its communities" and it aims to increase its contribution to the local economy from £1.5 billion to a forecast £2.1 billion a year and 34,000 jobs in 2033.
An investment of around £500 million will increase capacity and vastly improve the passenger experience, to make Birmingham one of Europe’s leading regional airports, it added.
"The Midlands Gateway to the World" plan also reveals how improved regional connectivity and a direct link to HS2 will play their part. It also follows recently restated government policy of making the best use of the UK’s existing runways.
Simon Richards, acting managing director of Birmingham airport, said: “Birmingham airport is already the preferred national and international aviation hub for the Midlands and our ambition is to build on this to become one of Europe’s leading regional airports, acting as a key economic accelerator, delivering great service to passengers, and helping to showcase the region.
“Over the next 15 years, we will expand and significantly improve the airport to maximise our potential as a single runway airport by investing £500 million. Our plans take account of our forecast growth and will increase operational efficiency for our airlines and partners and improve the experience for our passengers.”
A number of public exhibitions will take place throughout the West Midlands from 12 November 2018 to 22 January 2019. The consultation period will end on 31 January at 2359.
Full details of the plan, and how to provide feedback, can be found here