The scheme to expand and upgrade Tripoli International Airport includes a $385 million project to build a new terminal. The Civil Aviation Authority is evaluating proposals from four or five international consultants for the contract to carry out the design of the new terminal. France's Aeroports de Paris (AdP) and Germany's Dorsch Consult are understood to be among the bidders. The new terminal will be able to handle 8 million passengers a year.

A tender is also set to be issued for the estimated $50 million contract to build an 11,000-square-metre extension to the airport adjacent to the existing terminal, and to restructure the existing facilities in order to separate arriving and departing passengers. Domestic travellers will be routed through a separate terminal.

The CAA is under pressure to upgrade the country's 13 civil airports, as Tripoli seeks to encourage more business visitors and tourists to the country. The projects to upgrade the airports at Tripoli, Benghazi and Sebha have been given highest priority.

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