Two UK consortiums have emerged as bidders to update a masterplan for Athens International Airport
One of them is VMCW, led by airport consultant Vector Management. It also includes consultant Mott MacDonald, architect Chapman Taylor, consultant White Young Green and Greek partner Hellas.

The other consortium is led by consultant TPS Consult, with Anglo-Greek traffic control consultant Cirrus and air-traffic management consultant Knight Mertz.

The two consortiums are believed to be on a shortlist of six. The purpose of the revised masterplan for the airport, which opened in 2001, is to provide a guide for its expansion over the next five, 10 and 20 years.

When the construction of the airport was completed in 1996, its capacity was 16 million passengers a year. A second terminal is to be added so it can reach its full capacity of 50 million.

The shortlisted applicants will receive more detailed tender briefs at the end of next month.