Major work to revamp the runway began in September

The resurfacing of the two-mile (3.2km) runway at Oxfordshire's RAF Brize Norton was carried out as part of a seven-year project to reshape the site.

It was the biggest building project carried out at the site for 30 years.

Aircraft have been based at RAF Fairford during the work on the runway, which began in September. The first planes are set to return on Thursday.

New ground lighting has also been installed and further strengthening work will be carried out by the summer.