Work is under way on the infill scheme between the existing terminal and departure gates, increasing capacity to 12 million passengers a year.

Floor space will rise by almost 45%, with 17 new retail and food outlets taking the total to 38. The design includes island retail units, expanded seating and a hidden speakeasy bar.

Arrivals will gain a new domestic baggage reclaim area, an additional carousel and a 20% capacity uplift. Immigration will be upgraded with new lifts and stairs.

Farrans returns after completing the £60m Public Transport Interchange with Griffiths last July, now handling around 250 public transport movements a day.

Gerard McNamee, Project Manager at Farrans, said: “This is an exciting project which will be completed in a live environment in which all passenger routes need to remain open at all times.

“One of the most innovative features logistically for this project is that we will be using a Bailey Bridge, a modular military style bridge designed for rapid construction to temporarily bridge gaps, to bring our vehicles and equipment from land side to airside.”

Around 150 workers will be on site at peak as the airport ramps up its expansion.