Its lawyers are challenging a ruling made by government inspectors last year that its proposed 10,000 sq ft facility should not receive planning permission.

If the judge overturns the inspector's decision, a further inquiry will be held to decide whether the building should be granted permission.

Coventry Airport chief executive Chris Orphanou said: "I'm optimistic of a positive outcome.

"With expanded facilities and the prospect of growth, we would be able to attract new carriers and offer a greater choice of destinations."

The hearing is expected to last five days, with a result not due until September.

If built, the terminal would be capable of handling two million passengers a year, which is more than double the airport's current capacity.

Permission was refused last year primarily on environmental grounds, following vociferous campaigning by nearby residents.

About 36,000 passengers used the Baginton site in April, the most recent month for which figures are available.

This represents a fall of 14,000, or 29 per cent, from the same month last year.