Airport Projects

What is an Environmental Assessment and why is it being conducted now?

The purpose of an Environmental Assessment (EA) is to determine whether a proposed action, in this case proposed airport improvements, has the potential to significantly affect the human and natural environment.

Why are proposed airport improvements needed?

The recent 2020 Master Plan reflects passenger and aircraft activity at the Bozeman airport is growing. Increased aircraft activity represents a need for additional space, aircraft facilities and redundancy.

The proposed improvements will allow Bozeman Yellowstone Airport to provide capabilities to safely and efficiently accommodate existing and forecasted operations, runway redundancy, provide an area to meet the demand for hangars in a safe and efficient manner, and to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements.

What is the timeline for the EA and proposed improvements?

The EA must be conducted before improvements can begin. The environmental assessment process will take several months to complete. Once the EA is complete, the community will have the opportunity to review the report and provide comments. It is proposed to complete the EA in spring of 2025 with public review, with the potential for the earliest of the proposed improvements to begin construction in summer or fall of 2025.

On August 1, 2024, the project team hosted an open house to provide the community with information about the EA process and proposed airport improvements. Exhibits from the open house are below. 

How can I get more information?

Updates and opportunities for engagement will be provided throughout the process. To stay up to date, check this page regularly for information and upcoming engagement activities. If you would like to receive email updates, please contact Kristine Fife at kristine@bigskypublicrelations.com.

Construction will target the entire east end of the terminal from baggage claim to the parking garage entrance. The projected completion date for this expansion is 2030. Over the next six years, ETEP will unveil:

Phases of ETEP will require temporary infrastructure in order to maintain day-to-day airline and passenger operations alongside terminal construction. Passengers traveling this summer can expect to see various construction sites partitioned-off around the east end of the terminal as crews complete Phase 0 (PH0) or “Enabling Phase.”  Upon completion of PH0 this fall, Phase 1 (PH1) will begin later this year with demolition of the north half of the original terminal building, excavation, foundation and structural steel.

ETEP is years in the making and will offer travelers an innovative, contemporary, and efficient airport experience while still embracing the historic lodge-like character that defines our airport. This project is a critical investment to ensure BZN continues to meet the needs of our thriving community, passengers, and southwest Montana for years to come.

Phase 0 (PH0), the "Enabling Phase", of BZN's East Terminal Expansion Project (ETEP) is wrapping up as construction teams unveil temporary infrastructure around the terminal. This vital phase will ensure daily passenger and airline operations carry on alongside construction. Travelers will notice structural changes within the A Concourse and baggage claim as we prepare for Phase 1 (PH1). 

On the airside, staff is gearing up to remove a second boarding bridge from service, temporarily reducing our gate count from 12 to 10. Construction teams merged gates A2 and A3 into one joint passenger hold area and positioned two extended fixed tunnels to boarding bridges in order to serve two parked aircraft where there was previously one. As infrastructure becomes available, newly expanded gates will be reinstated. 

Enabling baggage claim for expansion was a crucial component of PH0. Construction teams assembled a temporary linear baggage belt and are preparing to remove baggage belt three from service. In order to mitigate passenger constraints and limitations, personnel are prioritizing this area for swift completion. BZN is projecting the first of three high-capacity carousels to be available by winter 2026/2027.

The Gallatin Airport Authority's Administration Offices are the last element of PH0 to be completed. We are pleased to share that all departments will remain onsite but in dispersed locations. Any travelers seeking Airport Authority assistance will need to follow airport signage and wayfinding. 

Following the completion of PH0, PH1 is scheduled to begin later this year with demolition of the north half of the original terminal, excavation, foundation, and structural steel. PH1's greatest endeavor will be shoring the building before demolition begins. This ensures the building's integrity is sound for the safety of passengers and employees throughout construction. 

Additional information on ETEP will be shared as the project continues. Have a question about the project? Let us know by filling out a submission form below. 

Construction teams have completed Phase 0 (PH0) also known as the "Enabling Phase" of the East Terminal Expansion Project (ETEP). This $7 million-dollar phase focused on stabilizing terminal operations before shifting into Phase 1(PH1). PH1 will include shoring the building in preparation for demolition of the north half of the original terminal building, excavation, foundation, and erecting structural steel. Construction crews expect PH1 to begin shortly after the Holiday season. 

Unlike previous terminal expansions at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), ETEP involves demolishing and rebuilding existing infrastructure while maintaining ongoing operations. This is the largest expansion in BZN's history. 

Throughout PH0, construction personnel worked to extract equipment and daily operations out of PH1's demolition zone. This transition needed to be done without compromising the airport's efficiency and safety. As a result, the working footprint of the A Concourse and baggage claim has been temporarily reduced. Construction teams repositioned and removed two passenger boarding bridges, merged gates A2 and A3 into one passenger hold area, constructed a temporary linear baggage belt and barrier wall in baggage claim, relocated the Gallatin Airport Authority's (GAA) Administration Office and relocated the Hertz rental car counter. 

Many of BZN's iconic architectural features such as the wooden beams and stonework will be preserved as repurposed in the new facility. Additionally, the GAA's Board of Directors approved donating the old restaurant's commercial kitchen equipment to the Belgrade Senior Center. While the need for growth and modernization is essential to meet the demands of increased travel and improved airport facilities it is bittersweet to see pieces of BZN's history give way for the future. 

As construction continues on, we ask travelers to please excuse the dust - we're expanding, and our mountain charm remains a must! 

Additional information on PH1 and ETEP will be shared as the project continues. Have questions about the project? Let us know by filling out a submission form below. 

An expansion of the Gallatin Airport Authority’s (GAA) Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF)/Quick-Response Snow Removal Equipment (SRE) facility broke ground during 2024; a vital project designed to ensure the continued safety, efficiency, and preparedness of the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN). This $7 million-dollar project has three key elements: the addition of two ARFF apparatus bays, an enhanced operations and maintenance center, and a snow removal equipment apparatus bay.