Which Cities Are Constructing Airports?

With air travel expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels by 2024, cities worldwide are building new airports and upgrading existing terminals to accommodate the growing number of passengers. However, constructing an airport is a complex and costly endeavour, with various regulatory, financial, and logistical challenges. This is particularly evident in the United States, which has not built any new airports in over two decades. Instead, US cities like New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Denver are focusing on renovating and expanding their existing airports. Globally, cities like Istanbul, Berlin, Sydney, and Manila are building new airports, while others like Dubai and Ho Chi Minh City are working on expansion projects to increase their capacity.

New York City's LaGuardia Airport has had an $8 billion transformation

New York City's LaGuardia Airport has undergone an $8 billion transformation, which is the first new airport built in the U.S. in the last 25 years. The project, which was completed in 2022, included the construction of a new Terminal B on the eastern side of the airport, serving Air Canada, American Airlines, Southwest, and United, as well as a new Delta Air Lines Terminal C on the western side, replacing the previous Terminals C and D. The new Terminal C features Delta's largest airport lounge, a 34,000-square-foot Sky Club with panoramic views that can accommodate nearly 600 people. The project also included improvements to the roadway system and parking infrastructure.

LaGuardia Airport's transformation is part of a broader effort to improve all three major New York City airports, including Newark Liberty International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport. LaGuardia Airport, located in Queens, is smaller than JFK Airport but has undergone a significant redevelopment to offer travellers a world-class facility. The airport now features an island gate system, with passengers connecting between the terminal building and the gates via bridges that allow aircraft to taxi underneath.

The $8 billion investment in LaGuardia Airport was primarily funded through private financing and existing passenger fees, with airlines providing about two-thirds of the cost, including $3.4 billion from Delta Airlines. The project was initially estimated to cost between $4 billion and $5.3 billion, with the additional funds allowing for further expansion and improvements. The transformation of LaGuardia Airport was a complex, multi-phased project, requiring the construction of a new airport on top of the existing one while maintaining full operational capacity.

The airport's redevelopment has been praised by New York officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul, who invited President Biden to witness the transformation. LaGuardia Airport has gone from being one of the most reviled airports in the nation to a world-class facility, with modern and efficient infrastructure. The project has also had a significant impact on the airline industry, with Delta Airlines increasing its operations and destinations from the airport, making it the largest carrier at LaGuardia.

Istanbul New Airport will be a mega hub capable of handling 150 million passengers per year

Several cities around the world are building new airports or upgrading old terminals to create facilities capable of handling millions of passengers. Here is an overview of the Istanbul New Airport, which is set to be a mega-hub with a capacity of 150 million passengers annually.

Istanbul New Airport, also known as Istanbul Airport, is a mega-hub airport in Istanbul, Turkey. It was officially opened on 29 October 2018 by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, coinciding with the 95th anniversary of modern Turkey's foundation. The airport is designed to be a gateway connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe, with the aim of making Istanbul a global transit hub. The $12 billion project has seen its fair share of controversies, including the deaths of at least 30 workers during construction.

The airport is located approximately 35 kilometres (22 miles) from the older Atatürk Airport, which it replaced. Istanbul New Airport boasts a massive 1.4 million square metre terminal building, making it the biggest terminal building under one roof. The architectural design aims to capture the unique spirit and character of Istanbul while providing a modern, functional, and intuitive space for passengers. The airport currently has one terminal in service for domestic and international flights and six runways, with further expansion plans in the works.

Istanbul New Airport is estimated to have served more than 76 million passengers in 2023, making it the second busiest airport in Europe and the Middle East, after Heathrow and Dubai International airports, respectively. By serving over 58 million international passengers, it also ranked as the sixth busiest airport globally in terms of international passenger traffic. The airport serves up to 122 countries and is the hub for Turkish Airlines, which already flies to more countries than any other airline globally.

The airport city project includes several services and facilities, such as hospitals, frequent flyer and VIP lounges, prayer rooms, convention centres, and hotels. The second stage of development will add a third independent runway and a fourth remote runway, with additional taxiways and apron areas. The third stage will introduce a second passenger terminal with a capacity of 60 million annual passengers and an additional runway. The fourth and final stage will enable the construction of satellite terminals, bringing the total capacity to 150 million passengers per year, with eight runways in total.

Western Sydney Airport will open in 2026, 27 miles from the city

The Western Sydney Airport, located 27 miles west of Sydney's downtown and 25 miles from Sydney's present airport, is set to open in late 2026. The airport, situated in the suburbs of Luddenham and Badgerys Creek, will be the first in Australia without an air traffic control tower on-site.

The airport will provide an alternative to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, which is restricted by its waterfront location and nighttime curfews. The new airport will not have a curfew, allowing for 24/7 operations. It will also feature a runway of over 12,000 feet, accommodating any commercial aircraft in service.

The first stage of construction on the Western Sydney Airport began on 24 September 2018, with the first stage expected to be completed by late 2026. The airport is being developed to allow growth and offer relief to the existing airport in Sydney. It is expected to initially handle up to 10 million passengers per year, with plans to eventually expand to accommodate up to 82 million passengers annually.

To facilitate access to the new airport, a new railway line is being constructed, which will connect St Marys station to the new Badgerys Creek Aerotropolis station via the Western Sydney Airport terminal. The line is expected to be completed in late 2026, coinciding with the airport's opening. Additionally, new express bus routes to the airport precinct have been announced, providing transportation from Penrith, Liverpool, and Campbelltown.

The Western Sydney Airport is anticipated to bring significant opportunities to the region, with a catchment area of three million people. It will enhance Sydney's connectivity to the world, providing a 24/7 airport and promoting economic growth.

Pittsburgh International Airport's new $1.4 billion terminal will open in 2025

With more people flying than ever before, cities worldwide are building new airports and upgrading old terminals to accommodate tens of millions of passengers. These new airports are modern and stylish architectural statements, a far cry from the dark, crowded travel hubs of the past.

One such city is Pittsburgh, whose airport is undergoing a significant transformation. The Pittsburgh International Airport's new $1.4 billion terminal, currently under construction, is set to open in 2025. The new terminal will include outdoor terraces, both pre- and post-security, offering travellers a seamless and efficient airport experience. The design will consolidate check-in, ticketing, security, and baggage operations into one connected facility, reducing the time from car to plane by half.

The airport's transformation is being led by HDR, which has contributed to various aspects of the project, including surface access, site, airfield, and infrastructure design. The team has also completed airside design work, including modifications to the hydrant fuelling system, apron paved shoulders, passenger boarding bridge relocations, gate layout revisions, airfield lighting modifications, and blast fence layouts and modelling.

The new terminal will also feature art installations, such as artist Patrick Marold's steel art columns, three of which will be placed throughout the green space in front of the terminal. These sculptures will be the first standalone art features at the airport, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the new space.

With this ambitious modernisation project, Pittsburgh International Airport aims to redefine what an airport can be, creating a smarter and more efficient travel experience for its passengers while reflecting and serving its community.

Los Angeles International Airport is undergoing a $14 billion upgrade

Los Angeles International Airport, or LAX, is undergoing a $14 billion upgrade, with some sources citing a $15 billion overhaul, to modernise the airport and improve the passenger experience. This includes a $2.6 billion automated people mover system, a $1.5 billion consolidated car rental facility, and a $900 million station to connect the airport to the regional train network. The airport is also spending $30 billion to get the airport ready for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.

The upgrade includes a new $1.7 billion concourse behind the Tom Bradley International Terminal, with a $400 million addition under construction. Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines Inc. and Los Angeles World Airports have also completed a $2.3 billion renovation of Terminals 2 and 3, adding roughly 800,000 square feet of space. Fort Worth, Texas-based American Airlines Inc. is in the process of a $1.6 billion overhaul of Terminals 4 and 5.

A $2.5 billion extension of Terminal 1 and a new $4.5 billion Terminal 9 are now in the planning stages as part of the second phase of the airport's capital improvement program. This phase also includes the West Gates at Tom Bradley International Terminal, a 75,000-square-foot concourse with 12 gates that can accommodate widebody aircraft.

The upgrade also involves modernising and improving the airport's roadway system, with the LAX Terminal Roadways Project including around eight miles of new roads and a reconfigured main entrance. The construction of a four-level, 1.7 million-square-foot parking structure with 4,300 parking spaces and smart-parking technology is also underway.

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