PIT terminal modernization on track for 2025
Pittsburgh International Airport’s Terminal Modernization Program, which began in 2023, is on track to open in 2025. The new terminal is being constructed directly in front of the Airside Terminal and will be accessible via a connector bridge, allowing departing passengers to navigate easily from security to their gates or numerous concession options. To be completed this year will be the terminal glass enclosure, bridges and roadways, TSA checkpoints, a new baggage handling system, and a new parking garage.
Male Airport to open new domestic, LCC terminal
Male’s Velana International Airport (MLE) in the Maldives will open a new domestic terminal this year and is planning an additional terminal dedicated to LCCs. The initial phase of a long-term plan to greatly expand the airport’s capacity will be completed when a larger domestic terminal capable of handling 7.3 million annual passengers opens this year. The new domestic terminal is expected to be capable of handling 2,000 passengers per hour, up from 300 per hour.
FAA funds 23 infrastructure projects for smaller airports
US FAA granted $66.2 million to 23 airports for infrastructure projects of smaller airports. Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (AMA) in Texas received $1.8 million for terminal upgrades. AMA is served by Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines. One of its two runways is 13,502 ft. in length, one of the longest in the US.
Great Falls International Airport (GTF) in Montana was granted $1.3 million for terminal improvements. GTF is served by Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.
Rafael Hernandez Airport (BQN) in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, was given $1.6 million for tower rehabilitation.
Saudi government to expand Abha International
The Saudi Arabian government plans to expand Abha International Airport (AHB), located in the far southwest of the country near the border with Yemen. The project involves building a new passenger terminal, targeted for a 2028 completion, and related projects. The new terminal is planned to span 69,400 sq m initially, eventually growing to 73,200 sq m. The revamped airport will have 20 gates and 41 check-in counters. AHB is expected to handle 8 million passengers by 2030 and 13 million by 2054. The project will also involve building a new aircraft apron, a taxiway, roads leading to the new terminal, and a passenger automobile parking area.
UAE’s Sharjah International begins major expansion project
Sharjah International Airport, which is located adjacent to Dubai in the UAE, has begun a major AED2.4 billion ($653 million) expansion project designed to increase the terminal’s annual capacity from 8 million to 20 million passengers. It is expected to be completed in 2027.
Hanoi approves plan for new airport
Hanoi city officials gave approval to build a new airport at the capital. Construction is reportedly expected to commence in 2040 and be completed by 2050. The project is part of a 20-year Hanoi Capital Master Plan for 2045 to 2065. The plan will be submitted to the Ministry of Construction and the government for consideration.
UK’s East Midlands Airport begins infrastructure modernization program
East Midlands Airport (EMA), serving Nottingham in England, initiated a £120 million ($153 million) infrastructure modernization program with a focus on improving passenger security processing. The project will make changes throughout the airport and will be carried out over five years. The security hall upgrade will include installing “next generation body and baggage scanning technology … to allow passengers to pass through security checks without the need to separate electronic devices from baggage.”
Transport Canada funds infrastructure upgrades to Whitehorse airport
Transport Canada awarded up to C$186 million ($138 million) to Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXY), located in northwest Canada’s Yukon territory, to undertake a series of infrastructure upgrades. The airport requires improvements to maintain existing essential services such as passenger and charter flights, as well as cargo handling activities. Four main projects will be carried out, including upgrading the existing parallel runway; reconstructing the main runway; replacing the Whitehorse air maintenance facility; and constructing a new helicopter operations area. Pictured, Air North is the largest scheduled carrier at YXY in Canada’s Yukon territory.
Schiphol Airport boosts capacity after all
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) will boost its 2024 summer capacity after the Dutch government dropped plans to reduce flights. The airport announced it could handle 483,000 flights annually, with 293,000 during the summer, 13,000 more than before.
New Addis Ababa airport expects to quadruple capacity
Plans are underway for a new airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which will quadruple capacity from 25 to 100 million passengers per year. The new airport will be situated at a lower altitude compared with Ethiopian Airlines’ existing home hub, which sits at 7,500 ft.—one of the highest in the world—creating operational challenges for its fleet. A site has been identified for a new airport, around 38 km (24 mi.) south of Addis Ababa.
The aviation industry and governments continue to work together to upgrade and modernize airport infrastructure, including runways, terminals and other essential facilities to meet passenger and cargo demand.
