Two companies are in the running for the build-transfer-operate scheme: Turkey's Tepe Akfen Ventures and a team of Germany's Hochtief with Canada's SNC Lavalin and Aeroport de Nice of France (MEED 26:1:07).

The much-delayed project will cater for 2.5 million-4 million passengers a year, with the option for further expansion in the future. The contract involves a four-year construction phase and a 40-year operating concession.

Six companies were previously shortlisted to submit technical and commercial bids.

The project had been shelved in 2005 but was revived in June 2006.