Several airport expansions and renovations are underway across the U.S. As travel continues to surge, airports nationwide are shifting to accommodate more passengers, improve safety, and offer enhanced services. From new terminals to cutting-edge sustainability features, airports like Hollywood Burbank, Cleveland Hopkins International, and George Bush International are reshaping the travel experience for millions of passengers annually.

10 airports currently under construction in the US

The U.S. is home to some of the largest airport construction projects in the world, with multi-billion-dollar investments taking place to transform airports from coast to coast. These projects are crucial for keeping up with growing air traffic and ensuring airports meet modern safety and sustainability standards. Here’s a closer look at some major airports undergoing significant transformations.

1. Hollywood Burbank Airport

• Location: Burbank, California
• Cost: $1.3 billion
• Contractor: The joint venture of Holder Construction, Pankow, and TEC, with architectural services by Corgan, CannonDesign​, Burns & McDonnell.

Hollywood Burbank Airport, often praised for its convenience and accessibility, is undergoing a massive transformation. Known as the Elevate BUR project, the initiative is set to replace the airport’s nearly century-old terminal with a state-of-the-art 355,000-square-foot facility. The new terminal will have 14 gates and modern amenities, including upgraded restrooms, new shopping and dining options, and an expanded ticketing lobby.

In addition to improving the passenger experience, the new terminal will address safety concerns by creating more distance between runways and the terminal in compliance with FAA regulations. The design will also meet California’s strict earthquake standards and incorporate ADA-accessible features. The new terminal is expected to be completed by 2026.

2. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

• Location: Austin, Texas
• Cost: $4 billion (total expansion program)
• Contractors: Austin-Bergstrom’s $4B upgrade includes Hensel Phelps for the new concourse, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill for design, and Austin Commercial for the arrivals hall​.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is undergoing a significant expansion to meet the growing demands of one of the country’s fastest-growing cities. The Journey With AUS expansion program will introduce a new concourse, Concourse B, adding 20 gates to the airport. This project includes the construction of a subgrade tunnel connecting the new concourse to the existing Barbara Jordan Terminal. The tunnel will house a baggage handling system and accommodate future plans for an automated people mover (a passenger train) to streamline travel within the airport.

The project also includes major upgrades to the airport’s taxiways, including constructing two new parallel paths for aircraft and infrastructure improvements like bridges under the taxiways. Additionally, there will be expanded international arrivals facilities, improved parking, and an updated arrivals and departures hall with larger security checkpoints and ticketing areas.

3. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

• Location: Cleveland, Ohio
• Cost: $3 billion
• Contractor: The joint venture includes AECOM for master planning, Paslay Group for executive program management, Corgan for architectural design, and Connico for cost estimating.

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has launched a significant modernization project to transform its aging infrastructure. This $3 billion Terminal Modernization Development Program (TMDP) focuses on updating the 1950s-era terminal and concourses, improving the passenger experience with expanded ticketing areas, more extensive security checkpoints, and enhanced gate areas. The project will also include better roadway systems, increased public parking, and a consolidated rental car facility.

The initial phase, approved in 2024 with $175 million allocated for planning and design, will begin substantial construction efforts in 2025. This project coincides with the airport’s 100th anniversary and is expected to drive long-term economic growth for Northeast Ohio.

4. Los Angeles International Airport

• Location: Los Angeles, California
• Cost: $30 billion (Capital Improvement Program)
• Contractor: Managed by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) with multiple construction partners​

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is undergoing a massive $30 billion upgrade to prepare for the 2028 Olympics and beyond. The improvements focus on modernizing infrastructure, reducing congestion, and enhancing the passenger experience. Key projects include the Automated People Mover (APM), a 2.25-mile electric train system linking terminals and external stops like parking and rental cars, set to open in 2024. Additional upgrades include biometric boarding systems, common-use lounges, and extensive terminal renovations for Terminals 3, 4, and 6.

5. Portland International Airport

• Location: Portland, Oregon
• Cost: $2.15 billion
• Contractor: Hoffman Construction and Skanska​

Portland International Airport (PDX) is undergoing a significant redevelopment under its PDX Next project, which focuses on sustainability and passenger experience. The project’s highlight is the new nine-acre terminal roof made from locally sourced mass timber, which opened in August 2024. This massive expansion doubles the terminal’s capacity, improves earthquake resilience, and incorporates new airline check-in counters, security checkpoints, and retail options. The next phase, including further renovations, is expected to be completed by 2026.

6. George Bush International Airport

• Location: Houston, Texas
• Cost: $1.458 billion
• Contractor: Managed by Houston Airports​ Systems

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is undergoing a major redevelopment under the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP), a multi-phase project to enhance the airport’s international passenger experience. A key part of this expansion is the newly unveiled Terminal D-West Pier, which adds six gates and a variety of modern amenities. This $1.458 billion project focuses on expanding international capacity while improving the airport’s infrastructure to meet growing demand. 

7. Pittsburgh International Airport

• Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Cost: $1.57 billion
• Contractor: The modernization involves HDR, Gensler, and Luis Vidal + Architects for design, Paslay Group for management, and Rycon Construction for the parking garage and terminal interiors

Pittsburgh International Airport is undergoing a significant modernization under its $1.57 billion Terminal Modernization Program (TMP). This program includes the construction of a new 811,000-square-foot terminal designed to streamline the passenger experience. Key upgrades include reducing the time from curb to gate, expanding the security checkpoint to include more lanes, and introducing a faster baggage delivery system.

The new terminal will also have outdoor terraces, improved parking, and a unique architectural design incorporating local elements, like tree columns and a rolling roof inspired by Western Pennsylvania’s landscape. The ambitious project is on track for completion in 2025, with construction already reaching 60% completion.

8. Salt Lake City International Airport

• Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
• Cost: $4.1 billion
• Contractor: Joint ventures including Holder Construction and Big-D Construction for the south concourse and Austin Commercial for the north concourse​

Salt Lake City International Airport is undergoing a massive $4.1 billion redevelopment as part of its New SLC program. The project includes the construction of a new terminal, two concourses, and various modernized facilities to handle increasing passenger traffic.

A significant feature is the Central Tunnel, connecting Concourse A and B, adorned with a striking blue water-themed art installation dubbed the River Tunnel. This phase, completed in October 2024, also introduced new gates, retail shops, and dining options like Maggiano’s and Freddy’s.​ 

9. Norfolk International Airport

• Location: Norfolk, Virginia
• Cost: Nearly $1 billion
• Contractor: Newport News-based W.M. Jordan Co.​ and Gresham Smith

Norfolk International Airport has embarked on a comprehensive modernization project to enhance international travel and expand terminal capacity. This $1 billion project includes the construction of a new U.S. Customs facility, part of a broader effort to improve international arrivals. The expansion will add new gates, modernize the concourses, and enhance passenger flow. The first construction phase began in June 2024, with significant upgrades set to be completed by 2025.

10. Southwest Florida International Airport

• Location: Fort Myers, Florida
• Cost: Over $1 billion
• Contractor: Managed by Suffolk Construction with Atkins Realis handling design oversight

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is in the middle of a $1 billion expansion, with Phase 2 of the Terminal Expansion Project starting in October 2024. This phase will add Concourse E with 14 new gates and prepare infrastructure for future expansions, which could eventually bring the gate total to 33.

The project also includes the construction of a new ticketing lobby, baggage claim area, expanded security checkpoints, and improved road access to the terminal​. The expansion is crucial for handling the anticipated passenger growth, with projections that nearly 17.5 million passengers could pass through RSW by 2041.

Curious about how these airport megaprojects will impact your next travel experience?

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