Low-fare airline bmibaby is to start operating flights from a second hub at Birmingham International Airport.

The move will mean the budget carrier flying to 20 new routes, in addition to the services already operated from Nottingham East Midlands Airport. The new services, which will start early next year, will be announced next week.

Tony Davis, managing director of bmibaby, said: "Bmibaby already carries more passengers from the Midlands than any other airline, with our current services from Nottingham.

"With the creation of a new base at Birmingham, we are consolidating our position as the region's most popular carrier. By next year, we will be serving up to 40 routes from the Midlands, offering massive choice to travellers throughout the region.

Bmibaby also operates from Gatwick, Manchester, Cardiff, Teesside, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast airports. The airline currently operates 52 routes and carried three million passengers in 2003.