The Omaha Airport Authority broke ground on its $950 million terminal expansion and renovation project on Feb. 20.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, several Nebraska dignitaries were in attendance including: Senator Pete Ricketts, Governor Jim Pillen, Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, Eric Keen, chairman of the HDR board of directors, Eric Butler, Omaha Airport Authority board chair, Dave Roth, Omaha Airport Authority CEO, John Lund, OAA board member, Kris Karnes, OAA board member, Congressman Don Bacon and Senator Deb Fischer.
The Build OMA Terminal Modernization Program at Eppley Airfield is projected to nearly double the size of the terminal. OAA reported that passenger travel has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with passenger counts 11% higher in 2023 compared to 2022. Tasking Holder Construction with the renovation and construction, the project will feature a unified concourse with a centralized Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint, larger gate boarding areas, gates capable of international flights, expanded restaurants and retail, an expanded baggage claim area, and increased accessibility. The total amount of space will increase from 375,000 square feet to 646,000 square feet.
“Passengers will find a more streamlined experience, with ticketing adjacent to the TSA checkpoint and a single concourse design for a more intuitive traveler flow,” said OAA Chief Executive Officer Dave Roth, in a press release.
In addition to the expansion project, work has already started on a $65 million all-weather canopy for the terminal drive. With construction underway, passengers should anticipate the full project to be completed in 2028.
Photography by Debra S. Kaplan
