LUTONAirport has started work on a £5m project to convert its old terminal into an extended departure and arrivals area.
Fresh investment follows the £40m construction of a new terminal, opened last month (Travel Weekly November 22).
The refurbishment is due for completion by summer 2000 to provide 15 more shops and restaurants and extra airside seating.
The executive lounge, children’s play area and toilets will also be relocated and refurbished.
In the arrivals area, the baggage reclaim section will have more room and extra carousals will be added.
Commercial director Marcus Balmforth said the airport was responding to customer demands for more facilities, but he claimed disruption would be kept to a minimum by the work. Passengers had complained of inconvenience as the new terminal was being built.
Balmforth said: “A recent survey of our passengers showed that 77% wanted a more comprehensive range of shops and restaurants, and this refurbishment will provide them with exactly what they have asked for.”