Manchester airport aims to double capacity under a £1 billion revamp due to be confirmed today.
The 10-year plan will include the expansion of Terminal 2, self-service check-in facilities and a larger security hall.
A new security hall will allow passengers to clear US immigration before boarding transatlantic flights – similar to a system in place in Ireland.
Manchester Airports Group (MAG) said the investment will mean it “continues to thrive as a national asset”.
The work will also include improvements to Terminal 3 as well as create new food and retail outlets.
MAG chief executive, Charlie Cornish, told the BBC: “We’re setting out how the airport will contribute to the development of a ‘northern powerhouse’ and demonstrating the dynamic, ‘can-do’ spirit that sums up the region.
“The transformation programme will ensure the airport plays its full part in driving economic growth and develops as a key part of the UK transport infrastructure.”
Manchester airport has two runways and is the UK’s third largest airport after Heathrow and Gatwick.
It is attracting more long-haul services, including increased numbers of Thomas Cook Airlines flights to the US including the new destinations of Boston and Los Angeles from 2016.
The airport handled more than 22 million passengers in the year to April.