Stansted Airport’s £80million terminal transformation project reached its latest milestone today when the first section of the new security search area opened to passengers.

The first phase of the scheme has seen the security area relocated away from its ‘landlocked’ central location to a new area twice the size on the south side of the terminal building.

The new, more spacious location will accommodate 22 security lanes when complete, compared to the previous 18, with dedicated lanes for families, passengers with reduced mobility and fast track for premium travellers.

Twenty self-service smart access gates will scan boarding cards before passengers enter the new security screening area as part of the airport’s drive to improve the passenger experience.

The security area is due to be fully operational by Christmas following the launch of the transformation project in June this year by the Transport Secretary, Patrick McLoughlin.

The project is part of a major investment by Stansted Airport’s new owners, M.A.G, to transform the terminal by making better use of existing space and provide passengers with new security facilities and an enlarged departure lounge.

Martin Lyall, Stansted’s transformation director, said: “Stansted Airport’s terminal transformation project is really beginning to take shape and promises to be an important step towards Stansted’s ultimate goal of becoming the best airport in London.

“Our passengers have told us they want to get through security as quickly and safely as possible and we believe the additional space, easier access and improved way-finding in a great new location flooded with natural light is a real step change that will get passengers through security more quickly and efficiently.

“It’s been a challenging few weeks as we move from the old search area to the new location in time for the busy Christmas getaway but with careful planning and a dedicated team working around the clock, I am pleased to say we have hit another major milestone on time.”

He added: “There’s still plenty more to do and we will begin construction on the departure lounge phase of the project in the new year but Stansted really is changing, and changing for the better, and we’re confident passengers, airlines and staff will love the new terminal when it’s fully completed in 2015.

“Our focus is to provide great service and facilities and put Stansted in the strongest position to compete effectively for new routes, airlines and passengers and this transformation of our terminal is a critical element in achieving this aim and central to our future growth plans for Stansted.”

Phase two of the project, which kicks off in January, will see a complete redesign of the international departure lounge.

The transformation will provide a more intuitive and easier journey through the airport, including additional seating, better restaurants and more shopping choice alongside improved way-finding and additional flight information screens.

The new design will also provide flexibility to accommodate future airline requirements as Stansted grows its existing customer base and begins to attract a broader range of airline partners.