“Certainly we’ll have the space, we’ll have the sales counters, we’ll have large enough arrival and departure lounges,” Cr Murray said.

“It’s about building all the essential infrastructure to enable business to be sustainable and be successful here.”

Council’s business director John Sommerlad said the works would redefine the passenger experience and reflected the needs of the growing airport.

“The upgraded airline lounge areas will include their own exclusive amenities and it will be easier than ever to fly into Tamworth for a briefing or meeting within the new corporate function room,” Mr Sommerlad said.

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Other improvements include an additional boarding gate, retail space, upgrades to the cafe and dining area, new flight information displace screens and a larger check-in area.

Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said the upgrade project would be more than meets the eye and was a wise investment from the NSW government.

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“This is more than just a facelift to the air-gateway of our city,” Mr Anderson said.

“The upgrade will not only accommodate future growth, but also encourage greater investment in the airport precinct.

“As a government we are determined to grow regional NSW ad Tamworth is a vital part of that. Not only are we investing in a vibrant community, but growing a city to create the jewel in the crown of the New England and North West.”