Around four million passengers may pass through this year

A new £2m extension to East Midlands Airport has been officially opened.

In 2001, the airport was handling 2.38 million passengers - a figure which rose to more than three million the following year.

It is now estimated that around four million people will pass through East Midlands Airport this year, a rate of growth which could eventually mean more than 20 million a year.

It took 90 days to build the new 20 check-in desk extension, which is on land next to the old check-in hall and includes a new state-of-the-art baggage system.

Regional airports are absolutely vital to regional economic development Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt

It is a temporary structure which will be used while the airport presses ahead with plans for a permanent one to accommodate further expansion plans.

Managing Director Graham Keddie said: "We've basically said the second runway for the Midlands should come here.

"If that did happen it's a £200m investment and would carry us forward to be one of the major airports in the UK".

Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt, a regular customer herself, said: "Regional airports are absolutely vital to regional economic development".