Stansted’s Lord Foster designed terminal building will be enhanced by making better use of existing space and providing passengers with new security facilities and an enlarged departure lounge.

MAG confirmed earlier this week that BAM Construct, Carillion and Galliford Try have won places on its capital delivery programme framework covering Stansted.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “Just three months into its ownership of the airport MAG has shown it is prepared to invest in the infrastructure to improve passenger services and provide new facilities.

“The millions invested in this project will transform Stansted Airport’s terminal building and the way passengers use it.”

Stansted’s Managing Director, Andrew Harrison, said: “Today marks the start of a significant investment programme to transform the terminal and help deliver our ambitious plans to radically improve Stansted and make it the airport of choice in London for airlines and passengers alike.

“The way airlines and passengers use the airport has dramatically changed over recent years with far fewer passengers using check-in desks or travelling with hold baggage but spending more time in the departure lounge.

“This exciting transformation project responds to these changing trends and will create a quicker and more efficient security process and bring some sparkle to what is already a fantastic terminal.

“Our focus is to provide great service and facilities and put Stansted in the strongest position to compete effectively for new routes, airlines and passengers and this transformation of our terminal is a critical element in achieving this aim and central to our future growth plans for Stansted.”