The plan was released for public comment in March last year and was approved by Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss on Thursday.

Mr Truss said the plan targets "the long-awaited commencement of flights to international destinations and by low-cost carriers" from Canberra.

Most controversially, the plan sets out the airport's intention to take on Sydney's freight traffic which the airport say will equate to economic stimulus and 1000 jobs.

This has previously been opposed by Greens MLA Shane Rattenbury who said in March that Canberrans did not "want to inherit Sydney's night-time noise".

Canberra Airport said the noise will only impact 750 homes.

"The impact on the community from night freight flights is mitigated by the fact aircraft can arrive and depart into Canberra Airport without overflying residential areas,

"Of the 165,000 houses located in Canberra and Queanbeyan only 750 are located ... outside the Canberra and Queanbeyan Noise Abatement Zones," the master plan states.

The freight hub is expected to begin operations in five to seven years time, starting with two to three jet freighter aircraft a night, "growing to five aircraft within three

This could expand "indefinitely" into the future, according to the plan.

The plan also includes a new air traffic control tower and an expansion of airline catering, maintenance and freight businesses at the southern end of Pialligo precinct.

The expansion of commercial activities would mean some general aviation planes would move from the Pialligo precinct to Glenora precinct on the eastern side - where hangars will be built.

An expansion of the passenger terminal is also proposed in the plan.

This is in addition to the 191-room hotel already under construction in the area, due for completion in October.