The decline in people using Bristol International Airport slowed in September, according to new figures.

More than 590,000 passengers flew to and from the airport last month, two per cent below last year's total for September – although it is the 11th consecutive month passenger numbers have fallen.

The airport saw the numbers of people using charter flights in September drop 10 per cent to 124,177 passengers.

Those on international flights rose by one per cent to 369,626 and the number of people taking flights within Britain dropped by two per cent to 96,1771 passengers.

In June, the airport scaled back its expectations for passenger growth as it unveiled its £150-million expansion plans.

It previously claimed passenger numbers would reach 10 million a year by 2016, but now believes the figure will be reached by 2020 and is delaying its plans to meet the new figures.

In a statement, the airport said: "Scheduled international traffic rose for the third successive month. A year-on-year increase of 1.78 per cent was achieved with fewer aircraft movements as a result of high load factors enjoyed by Continental Airlines, easyJet and Ryanair.

"This recovery is expected to continue for the rest of the year and into 2010, underlining the importance of tackling congestion and enhancing facilities at BIA."

The airport has submitted plans for expansion to North Somerset Council.

They include a newly-expanded terminal building, multi-storey car parks and a hotel as well as a new administration building for airport staff and improved transport links.