Tucson airport board approves $28M terminal revamp

The Tucson Airport Authority board has approved a multi-phase, $28.3 million terminal improvement project that will expand Tucson International Airport’s security checkpoint areas, add concessions in post-security areas and improve critical infrastructure.

The TAA board approved a construction contract with Sundt Construction at its meeting Wednesday. Construction is expected begin in June and be completed in November 2017.

TAA President and CEO Bonnie Allin said in prepared remarks that the project will create larger security checkpoints to accommodate newer technology and better passenger flow.

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The project will be funded by the Federal Aviation Administration through its passenger facility charge program, and the remainder will come from the Tucson Airport Authority. No tax dollars will be used, the TAA said.

A look at the construction schedule:

• To prepare for initial construction, two airlines will move their ticket counters at the end of May. American Airlines will relocate to the far west end of the terminal, while United Airlines will move from its current location to the far east end of the terminal.
• Phase one of the project includes work in the central terminal area from June 2016 to October 2017, as new concessionaire locations will be prepared.
• In the project’s second phase, from June 2016 to February 2017, the security checkpoints for Concourse B will be relocated to the far west end of the terminal and will be expanded from three lanes to four, allowing for additional security equipment. Security checkpoints on Concourse A will be relocated and expanded from October 2016 to August 2017.
• New “composure areas” — where passengers can gather their belongings and compose themselves after going through security — will be created beyond the new checkpoints, with seating and airside views for passengers.
• Space will also be included for a business center and children’s play area on each concourse. New carpet and patterned terrazzo flooring will also be installed throughout the terminal.
• New retail concessions are expected to open in December 2017, while food and beverage concessions should begin operating in January 2018, airport officials said.