Mary Scott NabersAirports represent another industry sector that should not be impacted significantly by any federal funding support shrinkage. The critical nature of airport infrastructure, the immediate and obvious needs and the role air transportation plays in America’s economic vitality will protect its funding. The abundance of contracting opportunities, however, that will emerge over the next two years may seem insignificant when compared to what will be required by removing old equipment and legacy systems and the installation of modern leading-edge technology in the very near future.
Before the massive technology overhaul begins occurring everywhere throughout the U.S., there are hundreds of large projects that will launch monthly for the next several years.
The Cleveland Hopkins International Airport in Ohio will soon be a busy hub as work begins on a large initiative to overhaul, expand and modernize the airport complex. This large effort has been tagged with a $1.1 billion cost projection. One of the major planned projects is a redesigned terminal entrance. The airport serves as a regional transportation hub, and the various projects will enhance passenger experience and improve efficiency.
The new entrance will double the size of the existing area. It will feature layered glass and steel to introduce more natural light and provide other enhancements for passengers. Project components will also include expanded curbside areas for drop-off and pickup, a significantly larger check-in hall, a unified TSA security screening zone and an upgraded baggage claim area. International passengers will be able to enjoy an area that provides enhanced customs operations.
The modernization effort will resolve persistent infrastructure limitations and make the airport more traveler-friendly. Work on the terminal entrance is expected to begin after the completion of a new parking garage and ground transportation center. Currently in the planning phase with design yet to start, no designated timelines for solicitations have been announced.
Officials at the Northwest Arkansas National Airport, located in Benton County, recently announced a planned expansion and modernization effort that will launch soon. The overall initiative carries a projected cost of $45.6 million to $60 million. The immediate objective is to meet growing passenger demand, as the airport surpassed 2 million passengers last year and the growth trend shows no sign of slowing down. A second concourse—Concourse B—will be constructed near Concourse A, and there will be other airport modernization project components as well. This work is only part of a lengthy modernization plan, but this work will add approximately 60,000 square feet of space to the airport.
Concourse B will have two levels and five new passenger gates. Amenities will include passenger lounge areas, concession space and the possible addition of outdoor patios. The first phase of the expansion, estimated to cost up to $60 million, will include construction of an elevated walkway, a passenger waiting room and a covered ground-level loading area. Later, Concourse B will be expanded to match Concourse A. This project is currently in the design phase and has completed conceptual planning and preliminary cost estimates.
The Pensacola City Council has approved the issuance of bonds to move forward with plans for a significant terminal expansion estimated to cost approximately $100 million. The project will focus on addressing long-term capacity constraints as the Florida airport continues to experience record-breaking passenger growth.
While full design details are still pending, the project is expected to add five new gates and deliver a larger security screening area to streamline passenger processing and reduce waiting times. Additional concessions are planned to improve the traveler’s experience. The project is currently in the design and engineering phase, with construction bids to follow. Once construction begins, the full buildout is expected to take five to seven years.
A $100 million project in Texas has been announced for the McAllen International Airport. It will be a significant terminal expansion to accommodate rapidly growing passenger demand and enhance overall traveler experience. The airport surpassed 1 million passengers for the first time in 2024 and has welcomed several new airlines, as well as the addition of more routes in the last two years. This initiative is part of the airport’s long-term master plan to support future growth, and the projects will be carried out in multiple phases.
The first phase will focus on expanding and renovating critical parts of the terminal, including the ticketing counters, baggage claim area, administrative offices, TSA screening zones, customs and border protection areas and public entry points. A second phase of the renovations will include expanding the concourse and adding more gates. Earlier this month, city commissioners approved a design contract, and construction is currently expected to begin in 2026.
A recently approved $2.2 billion airport master plan for Palm Springs International Airport in California includes multiple large projects to accommodate the increased air traffic. Numerous projects are outlined, and the planned work will almost double the number of gates. The gate count will grow from the current 18 to 32 gates. A north concourse will be added, a rental car area will be constructed and a federal inspection station will be built to accommodate international routes.
These few projects only represent the first phase of construction, and the cost of this work has been estimated at approximately $754 million. The second phase of the plan calls for the addition of a south concourse, a rental car storage facility and airfield improvements. Officials hope that by 2030 the airport will be able to accommodate at least 6 million passengers annually. Construction is possibly slated for late 2026 or early 2027.
These projects will have many other requirements such as technology, landscaping, roadwork, signage, security systems and numerous types of specialized equipment. Prime contractors will be seeking lots of specialized expertise as well.
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