Construction will start on site next month and will be split into three phases.

The first phase is a new arrivals facility, and this is scheduled to be ready at the end of May 2013. The final phase will be completed just before Christmas 2013.

The terminal building will become 90m longer, and the number of check in desks/baggage drop-off points will increase, as will the amount of space for passengers in security.

The departure lounge will grow in size and a larger arrivals area will have enhanced baggage reclaim facilities and a larger immigration area.

Retail and catering facilities will also be expanded throughout the terminal in order to provide a much wider range of shops and services to passengers.

London Southend Airport managing director, Alastair Welch, commented: “Our aim is to ensure that we deliver a very special level of customer service in Southend and this extension will allow us to ensure we can continue to deliver those high standards as the airport grows.”

Kier Construction operations director, Nick Bache, added: “We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded this significant contract by London Southend Airport.

“An important project for the Essex region, the terminal extension will provide some fantastic improvements for passengers and will enable us to utilise our extensive airport experience. We can’t wait to get started.”