A Major Terminal Upgrade Is Set To Fly At The Bismarck Airport

You might want to put your phone on airplane mode for this one. As reported earlier this year, big changes are coming to the Bismarck Airport terminal to improve the customer experience.

Cleared for Takeoff

In a new press release from the Bismarck Airport, the Bismarck City Commission has approved the next major step in the expansion of the Bismarck Airport terminal. At the July 28th meeting, the Commission authorized a contract with a design group to provide architectural design, construction administration, and construction observation services, launching a multi-year project designed to address record passenger growth at the airport, expand critical infrastructure, and prepare the airport for the region's future travel needs.

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Officials say the expansion is needed to meet increasing air service for the 20-year-old terminal.

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The Terminal Project Involves:

The $132.2 million expansion will address the airport's most pressing needs. The airport has already secured significant funding to offset design costs, including a $1 million Airport Terminal Program grant from the FAA and a $4.7 million grant from the ND Aeronautics Commission.

1. Two additional gates to expand air service capacity (more flight departures and arrivals)

2. Increase the size of departure lounges to improve passenger experience.

3. Expand the TSA checkpoint to meet modern security standards.

4. Enlarge restrooms and amenities.

5. Increase baggage screening facilities to support increased air service.

The terminal expansion project will be completed in three phases to keep the terminal operating throughout the construction with minimal impacts to passengers. With the design contract approved, work can begin immediately.

Crunching the Numbers

The current terminal was completed in 2005, and it was projected to have 240,000 enplanements per year by 2021, but that figure was surpassed in 2015. In fact, passenger activity exceeded 300,000 in 2019 and 2025.

The goal of this project is set to soar in 2027, with construction completed by 2030.