The latest news on airports globally, with updates on financing, infrastructure expansion and sustainability initiatives.
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) has closed Terminal 2 as planned. “The building and its technical systems are going to be comprehensively renovated and modernized,” FRA said. “After more than 30 years of intensive use since its inauguration in 1994, Terminal 2 is in need of a thorough makeover.” The airport is able to close Terminal 2 following the April opening of the new €4 billion ($4.6 billion) Terminal 3. The airlines that had been using Terminal 2 have transferred to Terminal 3. “The plan is for Terminal 2 to resume operating in the mid-2030s with capacity for more than 10 million passengers,” FRA said. “Work will begin with the preparations for renovating the terminal. A time period of over three years is allotted for drawing up the detailed construction plans. The main construction work is currently scheduled to begin in 2030.” The Terminal 2 upgrade has an estimated €1.5 billion price tag.
Perth Airport (PER) contracted DXC Technology, a U.S. firm based in Virginia, to be the master systems integrator for its expansion program. PER plans to complete a “multi-billion dollar” infrastructure improvement program by 2031 that will include expanding Terminal 1 and building a new domestic terminal to be used by Qantas Group. The master systems integrator contract will encompass “a broad range of technology solutions including AI … and cybersecurity across the new terminal for passenger processing systems, baggage tracking and reconciliation, advanced security screening integration, building management and automation, digital signage and wayfinding, public Wi-Fi and operational control systems,” PER said. “DXC will also oversee interoperability of the systems used by key airport stakeholders, including airlines, ground handlers, retailers and government agencies.”
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) debuted four new automated people mover (APM) vehicles on its Plane Train system, the first of 63 new vehicles to be introduced, which will expand the total number of vehicles used in the system to 73. The modernized and expanded fleet “will let the airport run trains more frequently, reducing wait times and crowding for travelers,” according to Alstom, the firm providing the vehicles. ATL’s APM connects seven concourses and two terminals across a 2.8-mi. underground system, which transported 95 million passengers in 2025. “The new cars are quieter, easier to maintain and more energy efficient than earlier models, and offer passengers improved lighting, updated video information screens, and advanced door safety systems with obstacle detection,” Alstom said.
Auckland Airport (AKL) is upgrading its terminal airside departures area. AKL said it will refurbish 2,600 m2 (28,000 ft.2) of flooring across two levels in the departure area. “The redevelopment expects to deliver 15% more seating across the spaces, alongside plenty of places for travelers to use and charge their devices,” AKL added. The work is planned “in stages so plenty of food options will continue to be available for travelers,” the airport said. The redeveloped area will feature 10 new or refurbished dining options by the end of 2026, bringing total airside restaurants to 15.
Nashville International Airport (BNA) in Tennessee will close an automobile parking lot on July 1 as work continues on its new rental car/parking facility. The lot sits within the footprint of the new facility, so its closure is necessary to enable construction to move forward, BNA said. The new facility will have space to accommodate 4,700 rental car cars and 3,000 parking spaces for passengers.
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