As travel continues to surge, several airport projects and renovations are underway across the US to meet the growing demand. From expanding the terminal area to building additional gates, airports like San Francisco International Airport, Denver International Airport, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport are all undergoing construction to meet the passenger demand. In this article, we cover all the major airport projects in the United States, what’s included in the construction work, the estimated cost, and when they are set to be completed.  

14 airport improvement projects currently under construction in the US

The US 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 airport 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 new passenger amenities, including upgraded restrooms, more shopping and dining options, and an expanded ticketing lobby.

In addition to improving the passenger experience, the new terminal will address airport safety concerns by creating more distance between new 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, new parking spaces, 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 roadway improvements, increased public parking, and a consolidated rental car facility.

The initial phase was approved in 2024, with $175 million allocated for planning and design. The first phase of construction is set to begin 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 infrastructure investment focuses on modernizing the airport facilities and reducing congestion to improve 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 lots and rental cars. Additional upgrades include biometric boarding systems, common-use lounges, and extensive main terminal renovations for Terminals 3, 4, and 6. Construction began last year for this airport improvement project and is still underway.

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 centerpiece of this project is a new 9-acre mass timber roof constructed from 3.5 million board feet of locally sourced Douglas fir, making it the largest of its kind in the world. This architectural feat brings the essence of the Pacific Northwest into the terminal with abundant natural light and greenery.

The renovation also includes a 150-foot westward expansion of the terminal, adding approximately 500,000 square feet of new space and upgrading another 500,000 square feet. The design incorporates 49 skylights, over 5,000 plants, and 72 living trees, creating a forest-like ambiance inside the airport. Additionally, the terminal now features 20 new retail and dining spaces operated by local businesses, reflecting Portland’s vibrant culture.

Phase 1 of the project was completed in August 2024, with Phase 2 underway, focusing on adding more retail and dining amenities, as well as new exit lanes on the terminal’s north and south sides. The entire redevelopment is scheduled for completion in early 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 $1.45 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 late 2025.

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 US 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.

11. San Francisco International Airport

• Location: San Francisco, California
• Cost: $2.6 billion
• Contractor: Turner Construction
• Architects: Gensler, Kuth Ranieri Architects, and Woods Bagot

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is undergoing a transformative $2.6 billion Terminal 3 West Modernization project aimed at enhancing passenger experience, safety, and sustainability. The project involves renovating the existing 650,000-square-foot western half of Terminal 3 and adding 200,000 square feet of new space. Key features include a seismic retrofit, expanded security checkpoints, modernized check-in areas, and upgraded amenities.

The modernization also focuses on sustainability, targeting LEED Platinum certification by incorporating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems. The expanded terminal will offer new food, beverage, and retail concessions, as well as improved airline lounges. Construction is being carried out in phases to minimize disruption, with the western half of the terminal and dining areas expected to open by fall 2027 and the check-in lobby debuting in 2029.

12. Denver International Airport

• Location: Denver, Colorado
• Cost: $4.4 billion
• Contractor: Hensel Phelps
• Architects: Stantec, Fentress Architects

Denver International Airport (DEN), one of the busiest airports in the world, is in the midst of a $4.4 billion transformation to boost capacity and improve passenger experience. The upgrades include two major efforts: the ongoing Great Hall Renovation and a 39-gate expansion across Concourses A, B, and C.

The Great Hall Project, located inside the Jeppesen Terminal, will redesign the main security checkpoints, create separate zones for domestic and international travelers, and introduce expanded retail and dining areas. A new 17-lane west security checkpoint featuring 3D imaging technology opened in early 2024, reducing wait times and improving screening efficiency. The updated terminal will also include Colorado-inspired design elements and a new Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation (CEEA), which will provide aviation career training and education. The Great Hall Renovation is expected to wrap up by 2027.

Meanwhile, the Gate Expansion Program is adding 39 gates to handle growing air traffic demand. The new gates feature modern restrooms, outdoor decks, and improved seating and lighting to create a more comfortable travel experience. With these additions, DEN aims to increase its annual passenger capacity to 100 million.

13. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

• Location: Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
• Cost: $9 billion
• Contractor: Austin Commercial and Archer Western-Turner JV
• Architects: HOK, HarrisonKornberg Architects, Muller & Muller, luis vidal + architects

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is undergoing a $9 billion expansion and modernization effort to accommodate future growth and improve the travel experience. The plan includes a complete renovation of Terminal C, the construction of a new Terminal F, and major infrastructure upgrades across the airport.

Terminal C, originally opened in the 1970s, is receiving a $3 billion update to rebuild aging facilities and add a 115,000-square-foot extension with nine new gates. This includes new concessions, upgraded seating areas, improved restrooms, and a refreshed architectural design aimed at creating a more modern and efficient terminal.

Meanwhile, Terminal F will be a brand-new 31-gate facility operated exclusively by American Airlines. The terminal is designed to support increased international travel and will feature high-end lounges, premium check-in experiences, and a dedicated parking garage. Construction is expected to begin in 2024, with the first phase of Terminal F opening by 2027 and full completion by 2030.

14. San Antonio International Airport

• Location: San Antonio, Texas
• Cost: $1.4 billion (Terminal C); $2.5 billion (Elevate SAT capital improvement plan)
• Contractor: Hensel Phelps
• Architects: Corgan and Lake|Flato Architects

San Antonio International Airport (SAT) is undergoing a significant transformation with the construction of a new Terminal C, a central component of the $2.5 billion Elevate SAT capital improvement plan. Groundbreaking for the $1.4 billion terminal occurred in December 2024, marking the largest capital project in the city’s history.

Terminal C will encompass approximately 832,000 square feet and feature up to 17 gates, including six capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft. The design emphasizes natural light and open spaces and incorporates local architectural elements to reflect San Antonio’s unique character. Amenities will include expanded concessions, club lounges, and a modern federal inspection station to enhance international travel capabilities.

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