Eppley Airfield Announces $950 Million Terminal Expansion & Renovation
This comprehensive overhaul will touch every corner of the terminal to take ease and efficiency at Eppley Airfield to new heights.
Construction Updates
7 min read
Jan 17, 2024
The Omaha Airport Authority announces the approval of plans for significant terminal modernization at Eppley Airfield (OMA). The $950 million Build OMA Terminal Modernization Program will enable long-term growth at Eppley Airfield, nearly doubling the size of the terminal and adding amenities to enhance the travel experience.
“For more than a decade, the Omaha Airport Authority has been building a long-term approach for improving and expanding our terminal and passenger facilities. With increasing passenger traffic in Omaha, we developed the Build OMA Terminal Modernization Program, as part of our demand-based master plan to position and enhance Eppley Airfield for decades to come.”
Eric Butler, Board Chair of the Omaha Airport Authority
Passenger traffic demand has been on the rise in Omaha. In 2023, Eppley Airfield saw its second busiest year in airport history with more than 5 million total passengers traveling through the airport, exceeding 2019 pre-pandemic activity levels and marking a full recovery from the impacts of COVID-19. Passenger counts in 2023 were also 11% higher than 2022.
“To meet current and future travel expectations, we are transforming Eppley Airfield. 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. The additional space, amenities, and passenger processing systems will benefit business and leisure travelers flying into and out of our airport.”
Dave Roth, Chief Executive Officer for the Omaha Airport Authority
As part of the Build OMA Terminal Modernization Program, the Omaha Airport Authority has entered into a contract with Holder Construction for the terminal expansion and renovation work. This contract is inclusive of a new central utility plant announced in July 2023 and already underway to address central heating, cooling and energy needs.
When completed, the Eppley Airfield terminal will feature multiple enhancements, including:
- An increase to approximately 646,000 square feet from the existing 375,000 square feet
- A single, unified concourse with a centralized Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security screening checkpoint
- An increase to 22 arrival/departure gates from the current 20, with the ability to add further gates for future growth
- Larger gate boarding areas
- Two gates capable of international flights and a new Customs and Border Protection international arrivals hall for international passenger processing
- New expanded restaurants and retail concessions beyond the security checkpoint
- Enhanced vertical circulation for passengers including new elevators and additional escalators
- New airline ticketing space
- New automated inline baggage handling system
- Expanded baggage claim area
- New and expanded restrooms including companion care and family restrooms, nursing rooms and service animal relief area
- Enhancements focused on accessibility throughout the terminal
Current construction of the central utility plant serves as an initial phase of the Build OMA Terminal Modernization Program. Expansion and renovation of the terminal will occur in phases to permit ongoing airport operations over multiple years with work scheduled to be completed in 2028.
An additional Build OMA construction project is also already underway. The $65 million Terminal Drive & Canopy Project will provide an additional passenger drop-off lane, expand the ADA accessibility of the passenger pick-up and drop-off areas and provide cover from weather elements. The Terminal Drive & Canopy Project is contracted with Hawkins Construction and scheduled to be complete by Spring 2025.
The Omaha Airport Authority is a non-taxing authority and collects user fees to support the operation, maintenance, and development of airport facilities. No local tax funds are used for airport development or operations. Funding will come from airport revenues, federal grants, and future airport bonds.
To learn more about the Omaha Airport Authority’s plan to improve the airport experience for travelers, go to BuildOMA.com.
