Lydd Airport's first part of revamp complete

The public inquiry into the runway extension and new terminal building began in February

The first phase of the multi-million pound refurbishment of Kent's Lydd Airport has been completed.

The work on improving passenger check-in and security facilities is part of a development programme due to be completed by the end of the year.

Also complete are the larger arrivals and baggage reclaim areas and a new departure lounge designed to handle 100 passengers per hour.

More than £30m has been spent on improvements at the airport.

Local economy

Airport manager Bernard Daly said: "I am pleased to say that, during the project, we have supported people from the local community where possible.

"We have spent almost £100,000 of the refurbishment budget within the local economy, employing tradesmen from the [Romney] Marsh area and buying materials from local suppliers."

Lydd Airport has submitted planning applications for a 294m runway extension plus a 150m starter extension and a new terminal capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers a year.

The public inquiry into the planning application got under way in February.