The ambitious project is a first for runway refurbishment and we see an army of 360 workers laying 50,000 tonnes of specially formulated material across 150,000m2 of runway.

The full-length runway replacement will take place in November and December.

Colin Abbott, aviation director at Galliford Try, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the East Midlands Airport team on the refurbishment of their runway.

“Logistics make this an exceptionally challenging project and due to the hard work of all involved scoping out every possible scenario, we have every confidence that the scheme will be delivered safely and on time.”

While the runway is not operational, the airport is also replacing over 1200 lights on and around the area with LED lighting, which is more environmentally friendly.

Andy Cliffe Managing Director East Midlands Airport said: “After an in depth consultation with our airlines and cargo operators, we came to the decision that completing the project in this way was the best way to avoid major disruption in the lead up to Christmas.

“The timing for us is crucial and we had to look to do this in the winter season, when we naturally aren’t as busy.”

East Midlands Airport owner Manchester Airport Group is planning an 8-year programme of airfield works across its four airports worth around £200m.