Construction broke ground in October on a $445-million terminal expansion at Des Moines International Airport in Iowa. It is designed by HNTB and is being constructed by the Weitz-Turner joint venture, with Anser Advisory serving as the owner's representative on the project. The 270,000-sq-ft project encompasses passenger processing areas, including ticketing, baggage handling and an eight-lane TSA checkpoint, as well as restaurant and retail space and six new gates, which will increase the airport’s capacity by 50%. A new skywalk will provide a convenient link with the airport’s existing C Concourse. Foundations for the expansion are set to be installed early next year, with the project scheduled for completion in 2026. The new terminal and concourses will offer 18 contact gates on opening day.

The airport is planning two subsequent expansions to be carried out in step with passenger growth and funding availability, with the completed program totaling 22 gates. New remote aircraft parking positions will also help broaden the airport’s domestic and international passenger service.

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport

Modular Makeover for Atlanta Concourse

To be completed in six phases over three years, the $1.3-billion program is replacing Concourse D’s existing boarding and apron levels with prefabricated 200-ft-long moment-frame modules that feature insulated wall panels and 14-ft-tall glazing sections with low-E and smart glass. The resulting 75% increase in boarding level square footage will improve circulation and accommodate larger passenger waiting areas and amenities, as well as provide 34 gates to serve Boeing 737-700s and other ADG III aircraft.

San Diego Int'L Airport

New Terminal Financing Finalized

The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority recently completed a $1-billion bond sale to help finance construction on the $3.4-billion T1 program, which got underway in late 2021 following a separate $1.35-billion bond sale. The program’s first phase, scheduled for completion in mid-2025, includes a new 19-gate Terminal 1 as well as associated roadway, parking and airside projects and a new administration building. An 11-gate expansion to Terminal 1 is planned for the program’s second phase.

Lambert Int'l Airport

Airlines Team Up for Improvements in St. Louis

A jointly funded $331.6-million improvements package includes a new central utility plant, relocating the airfield maintenance campus from a flood-prone area and creating space for a new deicing pad. Another project calls for demolition of a vacant complex previously occupied by the Missouri Air National Guard.

Houston Hobby Airport

Concourse Expansion OK'd

Photo courtesy Houston Airport System

The Houston City Council has greenlighted a $470-million expansion to the West Concourse at William P. Hobby Airport. Scheduled to begin next year, the two-year project will add seven gates and create space for restaurants, retail and public art. Other elements are a renovated baggage handling system and baggage claim area, and a canopy along the departures curb that will provide weather protection and connect to a parking garage.