By the end of the 1980's, it was once again recognised that expansion of the airport would be required to sustain its growth. A new development was approved which has so far been the biggest and most ambitious at the airport to date. The expansion was done in stages and took 3 years to complete at a cost of £55 million, bringing the passenger capacity up to 6 million.

The first stage of this expansion saw a major expansion of the apron. This would later be needed for the new International Pier and gates. Whilst this work was going on, the main terminal was enlarged by 70%. This stage was completed and opened on 15th June 1992.

The second stage of the project was the construction of the new International Area, which would include new baggage reclaim areas, duty free shops, catering areas and seating. This part of the project was far easier to manage and carry out than the previous stages, as the construction of the new area, including International Piers and gates were built as an extension to the side of the Terminal Building, which meant that it did not actually have an adverse effect on passengers using the Terminal Building whilst work was being carried out. The new International Pier was officially opened no 17th November 1994.