Leeds Bradford International Airport is planning major improvements to its terminal.

The airport is set to undergo a £2.9 million refurbishment and expansion project, which will be designed and built by Ilkley-based Quarmby Construction.

The project will see the re-development of the catering area with a new Dales food village and Burger King totalling 9,365 sq ft.

The plans will also see a 2,800 sq ft Yates's wine bar open, while the game zone will be relocated.

Over the past five years LBIA has spent £15 million developing its terminal facilities.

It has also recently announced new and upgraded scheduled services to Cork, Bristol, Amsterdam and Edinburgh.

David Jones, managing director of Quarmby Construction, said: "The growing importance and status of Leeds Bradford International in holiday and business travel is an essential part of the economic vitality of the region.

"Naturally, we are delighted to be involved in expanding and improving facilities to ensure its continued success."

Councillor Denise Atkinson, chairman of the Airport's board, added: "We are delighted that this further development is to start later in the year.

"It will complement the extensive improvements that have been made to the terminal over the past five years."

A prominent lobby leading to the new leisure area will also be created, with a feature staircase and escalator. The amount of retail space at LBIA will also increase on the ground floor.

Leeds-based real estate and infrastructure consultancy EC Harris has been appointed by the airport to manage the project. Wakefield architecture firm The Harris Partnership has also been appointed to oversee the project.

Restaurant space will be developed with a new extension which will see a new curved roof structure being built.

Quarmby Construction will be on site from September and the new facilities will be completed by the summer of 2003.

The work is not expected to cause disruption to travellers.