Omaha Airport Authority breaks ground on $950 million terminal expansion & renovation

The Omaha Airport Authority held a groundbreaking ceremony on Feb. 20 to commemorate the start of construction on the $950 million Build OMA Terminal Modernization Program at Eppley Airfield (OMA). Key stakeholders including the Omaha Airport Authority board of directors, city leaders, government officials, construction partners, airline and airport employees were on hand as ground was broken to begin efforts that will enhance and nearly double the size of the current terminal.

“With today’s groundbreaking ceremony, we’re starting a transformational process for Eppley Airfield that will significantly modernize this airport and enhance the travel experience for decades to come,” said Dave Roth, Chief Executive Officer for the Omaha Airport Authority. “Last year we saw more than 5 million passengers traveling through Eppley, the second busiest in our history. As the City of Omaha and State of Nebraska continue to grow, passenger activity will as well. With these vital enhancements, Eppley Airfield will be growing to meet those future travel expectations.”

Omaha Airport Authority Board Chair Eric Butler commenced the dedications to the terminal program. City and state leaders spoke about the importance Eppley Airfield has on the economic growth potential of the region. Elected officials at the podium during the ceremony were Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, U.S. Congressman Don Bacon, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts and U.S. Senator Deb Fischer.

“We’re getting ready to create a world-class airport,’ Butler said. “It will be a gateway to our community.”

The work to expand and renovate the Eppley Airfield terminal is projected to be completed in 2028 with key enhancements including:

• Increase the size of the terminal from 375,000 square feet to approximately 646,000 square feet
• A single, unified concourse with a centralized Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security screening checkpoint
• Increase to 22 arrival/departure gates with the ability to add additional gates for future growth
• Two gates will be capable of handling international flights with a new Customs and Border Protection arrivals hall for international passenger processing
• New restaurants and retail concessions after security within a new central pavilion
• Enhanced vertical circulation for passengers including new elevators and additional escalators, enhancing accessibility throughout the terminal
• Funding for the program will come from Eppley Airfield revenues, federal grants and future airport bonds.