America’s airports continue to experience one of the busiest building cycles in decades. This is an area of activity that should not be ignored. Construction cranes are rising over terminals, runways are being resurfaced, and new security technology is rolling out to handle record crowds. Passenger traffic is hitting historic highs—TSA screened more than three million travelers in a single day this summer—and airports are racing to add gates, streamline checkpoints, and modernize aging facilities.
Behind the activity is a mix of federal investment and local urgency. Washington has been pushing out hundreds of millions of dollars in grants to fund nearly 300 airports at a time, and the funding is not just for the big airport hubs. Airports are economic lifelines for cities and counties, so local leaders work hard to keep their airports efficient, attractive, welcoming, and safe. While the mega-hub terminals grab headlines, small and mid-sized airports are also receiving significant attention currently.
Companies that contract with governmental entities should not overlook smaller or regional airports. They are also receiving funding and launching new initiatives.
The upcoming projects outlined are similar to hundreds of other upcoming projects that are currently in early design phases at airports throughout the country.
In Colorado, officials at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport have announced plans to construct a new passenger terminal. The new facility will replace the current terminal, which is outdated and in need of significant upgrades. A $575 million project will deliver the new terminal along with many other new enhancements, such as baggage moving systems, passenger screening areas, and new gate systems.
The terminal effort will be supported by a phased airfield and roadway initiative and when completed, these two efforts will enable passengers to move through security check stations, increase accessibility, and provide additional passenger amenities. Currently in the design stage, construction services are planned to begin in 2027.
City leaders in Cleveland, Ohio are advancing plans to expand Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and provide other upgrades to the entire area at a combined cost of approximately $1.6 billion. The project will include the construction of a new ground transportation center and a Regional Transit Authority Red Line station.
The new ground transportation center will consolidate all public vehicles into a single hub to improve efficiency and reduce congestion. Key design features will include weather-protected pick-up and drop-off areas, designated lanes designed to streamline traffic flow, and digital signage. The project will also call for the construction of a new integrated pedestrian walkway that connects the parking garage to the expanded terminal.
At the same time, the RTA Red Line Station will be renovated to replace aging infrastructure with modern, ADA-compliant features. The project will include covered connections between the garage and terminal walkway, upgraded lighting and new security equipment as well as a new station house with accompanying elevators and escalators. The project is currently in the design phase and city leaders have planned for a construction start in 2027.
The South Bend International Airport in Indiana will soon undergo major upgrades to its ground transportation and regional connectivity. Viewed as a regional economic hub by South Bend community leaders, the airport will use this $112 million project to meet growing passenger demand.
A rail station currently on the east side of the airport will be moved and rebuilt on the west side. That will require moving and rerouting the rail on a direct path out of the airport. This change will reduce travel time between South Bend and Chicago, making the airport a stronger option for travelers traveling to Chicago. When completed, the station will include an upgraded and more modern platform along with a revitalized airport waiting room. If a federal grant is approved this fall, construction could begin in late 2026. If it has not been obtained, the time for a construction launch will likely be delayed.
City officials in Sacramento, California are working on a $41.3 billion expansion project for Sacramento International Airport. The airport’s master plan includes the construction of a new ground transportation center. It will streamline access for public vehicles to Terminals A and B, enabling more efficient pick-ups and drop-offs. A new multilane roadway, complete with improved signage and traffic control systems, will ease congestion and guide traffic flow. Additional upgrades will modernize utility, drainage, sewage, water, and lighting systems. Meanwhile, Terminal B improvements focus on designating safer walkways connecting the parking garage and terminal. The project also provides dedicated staging zones for commercial vehicles, designated holding areas for rideshare vehicles, and a future rental car center. While designs are being finalized, project officials are announcing that construction solicitations will be released soon.
The Rogue Valley International–Medford Airport (MFR) in Jackson County, Oregon is expanding due to rising passenger projections, which are expected to double over the next 20 years. County officials will oversee the first phase of projects which will include a major terminal expansion with a two-story concourse, six new jet bridges, and space for larger commercial aircraft. Later phases will upgrade baggage facilities, security screening, pre-screening, and ticketing. MFR’s expansion project aligns with the county’s master plan, which calls for the terminal to double in size to 144,000 square feet. The project carries an estimated cost of approximately $115 million.
Design for Phase I began in August 2025. Construction is expected to start in 2027 under a construction manager at-risk (CMAR) model
The most common projects being launched currently include airside safety, capacity building, and terminal expansions, replacements, and modernizations. Technology firms will find high demand for next-gen and self-service screening equipment and leading-edge technology related to terminal and air safety. Operational efficiency is top of mind for airport leaders because of rising operational costs, so equipment and technology related to emission reductions, energy redundancy power, and electric charging stations are also in very high demand. This trend will likely continue for many years.
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