Christchurch Airport is planning to stay ahead of the curve.

It's released its vision for what the airport will look like in 2040.

It includes small runway extensions to accommodate bigger aircraft, terminal expansions for the expected growth in passenger numbers.

Airport Chief Executive Malcolm Johns said they're also planning for the changing nature of how passengers get to and from the airport.

"We'll understand better the evolution across to electric vehicles, for example, and the need for charging facilities and the like," he said.

The runway extensions are not expected to affect the airport or residential areas.

The expansion is hoped to handle 12 million passengers a year. 

One of the first projects of the redeveloped airport, a new hotel complex, has been delayed and will not open until April.