It is the highest number ever for the Lulsgate-based terminal and the first time the three million barrier has been broken.

The announcement comes after the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued its figures for the period 1 June 2001 - 31 May 2002.

The CAA confirmed passenger figures for the period reached 3,059,000 - a 38.6 per cent rise over the same period the previous year in which Bristol handled 2,206,000 passengers.

Mike Luddy, Deputy Managing Director of the airport said: "We will continue to build on this fantastic performance and expect to reach 3.4 million passengers for the end of this financial year."