The terms for companies wanting to bid on the contract to renovate the second terminal at Cairo International airport have been eased, in an effort to increase the number of potential bidders.

Among the changes that have been made, potential bidders will now have to show they have completed at least one similar project within the past ten years worth at least $200m.

Previously companies were required to have completed a project worth at least $250m within the past six years.

The terminal building they have completed must have capacity for more than 4 million passengers a year.

The deadline has also been delayed by three weeks, from 7 February to 28 February.

The revised procurement notice was issued by the UN Development Business on 21 January. The original notice was published on 4 December 2009.

The project is being funded with the help of a loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction & Development. The client on the project is Cairo Airport Company.

The project involves a built-up area of 123,000 square metres, and includes the renovation of the existing terminal building and construction of a departure hall and ancillary buildings.

The renovated terminal will be able to handle up to 7.5 million passenger a year, almost double the current capacity.

Invitations to bid are due be issued in May.