Stobart says work will start shortly with completion scheduled to coincide with completion of a new passenger terminal in 2011.

Work has already begun on a new railway station at the airport, due to open this summer, and a new control tower to open in spring 2011.

CEO Andrew Tinkler said development of the airport would give Stobart a southern logistics hub.

'The airport has fantastic potential, being well positioned for passenger travel to London and the 2012 Olympics, via our new railway station. This is reinforced by the fact that Southend is part of the Thames Gateway blueprint.'

Stobart's application for a 300-metre extension to the runway was approved by Southend Council in January but was subject to ministerial review after an Article 14 notice was served ahead of the the council vote.

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