Sunshine Coast Airport expansion approved

Queensland's Sunshine Coast is set for a major tourism boom after a multi-million dollar runway extension for the region's airport cleared a major hurdle.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Thursday announced Queensland Coordinator-General Barry Broe had granted environmental approval to the Sunshine Coast Airport's $347 million runway extension.

"This is a fantastic boost of confidence for the Sunshine Coast," Ms Palaszczuk said.

State Development Minister Anthony Lynham said the extension would open the region to more domestic and international destinations, including Singapore and Perth.

It had the potential to bring 500,000 more visitors a year to the region by 2040, he said.

The expansion includes a 2.45km long runway, capable of servicing Airbus 330, Boeing 787 and Boeing 777 aircraft.

The project still requires federal approvals from the Department of Environment, Airservices Australia and Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

"It's not take-off just yet, but we're certainly buckling up our seatbelts," Dr Lynham said.