In 2025, a number of high-profile airport projects valued at over $1 billion will move forward across the country. These developments are being propelled by a growing demand for larger, more modern facilities and the ongoing infusion of funds from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Several top construction firms, including Hensel Phelps, Turner, and Balfour Beatty, are taking the lead on these ambitious undertakings.

Here’s a look at six major airport overhauls and expansions with multibillion-dollar price tags that are expected to make significant progress in the coming year:

1. John Glenn International Airport, Columbus, Ohio

Cost: $2 Billion
Rendering shows an aerial view of improvements at the Columbus Airport.

The John Glenn International Airport in Columbus, Ohio, is embarking on a colossal $2 billion project to replace its outdated terminal, which has served the airport since 1958. Greeley, Colorado-based Hensel Phelps secured the contract in September 2023.

Hensel Phelps will construct a 1 million-square-foot terminal designed to handle more than 13 million passengers annually. The project also includes a new parking structure for 5,000 vehicles and seven additional gates. Once completed, the old terminal will be demolished.

The terminal will feature five primary components: a pedestrian bridge, an entry canopy and head house, a marketplace, and east and west concourses. Groundbreaking occurred in December 2023, ahead of the initial target date, with the terminal expected to open in early 2029.

2. Pittsburgh International Airport, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Cost: $1.57 Billion
Aerial view of improvements at Pittsburgh International Airport.

Pittsburgh International Airport is undergoing a $1.57 billion modernization project, which includes a new landside terminal slated to open in 2025.

Led by the Allegheny County Airport Authority, the project will bring together airline operations, public spaces, and passengers under one roof. It will also feature a new roadway system and a multi-level parking garage.

Mascaro, based in Pittsburgh, is overseeing structural and foundational work, while Turner Construction and a joint venture between PJ Dick and Hunt are managing the construction process.

The terminal’s design will incorporate biophilic elements, including tree-shaped steel columns and a roof inspired by Pittsburgh’s hills. The airport aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2028, supported by locally sourced materials and energy-efficient design features.

With the exterior now fully enclosed, crews are shifting focus to interior work, with completion on track.

3. Tampa International Airport, Tampa, Florida

Cost: $1.5 Billion
Rendering of Tampa International Airport's new terminal.

Tampa International Airport is preparing to break ground on its first new airside terminal in almost two decades. The 16-gate Airside D, designed as the new international arrivals and departures hub, will begin construction in December 2023 and is set to open in 2028.

The design-build team, led by Hensel Phelps, includes architecture and engineering firm HNTB and the renowned design firm Gensler.

The terminal will offer two levels, a mezzanine, international passenger processing areas, lounges, and shopping and dining facilities. The expansion is expected to help the airport meet a projected 35 million passengers annually by 2037, up from its current 25 million.

4. Nashville International Airport, Nashville, Tennessee

Cost: $1.5 Billion
Rendering of Nashville International Airport’s Concourse D.

Nashville International Airport is implementing its $1.5 billion “New Horizons” plan, aimed at accommodating the rapidly increasing number of passengers.

The plan includes expanding two concourses, upgrading baggage handling systems, and improving terminal roadways to reduce congestion. The first phase, completed in February 2023, focused on initial infrastructure updates.

Hensel Phelps was selected as the construction manager for the Concourse A project, which is part of the broader overhaul, and will also serve as the general contractor for the $250 million expansion of Concourse D.

The entire upgrade project is slated to wrap up by late 2028.

5. Sacramento International Airport, Sacramento, California

Cost: $1.3 Billion
Rendering of new parking structures and improvements at Sacramento International Airport.

Sacramento International Airport has begun work on a $1.3 billion improvement program, part of its broader SMForward initiative.

In August, Balfour Beatty broke ground on a $140 million pedestrian walkway and skybridge to connect Terminal B to Concourse B. The new structure will feature moving sidewalks, escalators, elevators, and a significant public art investment.

Additional ongoing projects include a $229 million parking garage, a rental car facility, and a Terminal A expansion. These developments will help meet future capacity needs, including accommodating increased passenger traffic through 2030.

6. Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark, New Jersey

Cost: TBD
Aerial view of the new Terminal B at Newark Liberty International Airport.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is leading a comprehensive redesign of Newark Liberty International Airport, which includes updating its 97-year-old infrastructure to modern standards.

The redevelopment will focus on creating new terminals, enhancing the taxiway network, and improving roadways to facilitate smoother passenger movement and more efficient aircraft operations.

This project includes the construction of a new international terminal to replace the current Terminal B and improvements to Terminal C. A phased approach will minimize disruptions to ongoing operations.

Preliminary design work for the new Terminal B has received $55 million in funding, with planning to begin in 2025 for major project elements, including cost projections and alternative delivery options.

These airport megaprojects reflect a nationwide push to modernize and expand airport infrastructure, ensuring that facilities are prepared to meet the increasing demands of both travelers and airlines for years to come.