A Norwich MP has heard public concerns about early morning flights and increased pollution at a meeting about the future expansion of Norwich Airport.
Norwich North MP Chloe Smith, Old Catton Parish councillors and District and County councillor Karen Vincent talked to residents about the new plans put forward by the airport surrounding it next 30 years.
Norwich Airport has published a draft masterplan which is open to consultation until September 15.
The plan outlines options for how the airport could grow with an extended runway, larger cargo and commercial aircraft with extended flight times to 1.30am.
But residents fear early morning flights will cause excessive noise and more planes would cause more air pollution.
Chairman of Old Catton Parish Council Judy Leggett said: 'The major concern for most people is the extension of the flying times into early mornings, four days a week.
'But we have been discussing the advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are more choice of flights and residents seem to be welcoming the runway extension.'
Passenger numbers exceeded half a million for the first time last year since 2008, and could rise to 1.4m by 2045.
Norwich Airport is worth around £70m to the region's economy and this could increase to £170m in the same period.
The plan explains how the airport can increase its contribution to the local economy while improving the experience of passengers, which it says will boost East Anglia's travel links for business and tourism.
Ms Smith said: 'The airport is a massive asset to Norwich. The expansion will bring jobs to the whole area,
'In the plan it talks about people having to choose between Stansted and Norwich but these improvements will make flying from Norwich much better.
'The International Aviation Academy has just opened, a first of its kind, a really important piece of construction for our city. It is something we should be proud of showing how the airport is doing well.
'This masterplan will also help it to prosper and continue to bring opportunities to Norwich.'
Hellesdon Parish Council is also running a consultation on the plans.
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