Airline Terminal Concourse Expansion Approved

The project will add approximately 70,000 square feet to the concourse, ultimately provide four additional gates, a third food and beverage location inside security, additional retail options and include space for future expanded outbound baggage handling. Overall, the project is anticipated to cost approximately $27 million including additional passenger boarding bridges and the terminal apron to serve the expanded concourse.  The project is being funded through a combination of Airport Improvement Program grants (which originate through airline ticket taxes) and the Authority’s capital improvement fund.  In addition, Airport Director Brian Sprenger said, “We are pleased that the airport has operated and expanded for over 30 years without local or state taxes and this project will continue that practice.”

Tony Martel, President of Martel Construction, Inc., estimates that over 500 direct and indirect jobs will be created during the construction of the concourse expansion.  With careful planning, we expect minimal inconvenience to the flying public during the project and the project is anticipated to be completed in time for peak summer traffic in 2020.  Gallatin Airport Authority Board Chairman, Carl Lehrkind, IV stated, “The latest expansion will continue to support the already amazing growth we have seen in passenger numbers and better accommodate the flying public that we serve.  This expansion, much like the previous ones, will maintain the style and décor of previous expansions welcoming friends, family, and visitors to our amazing community.”