2025 was marked by unprecedented growth in air travel, with airports worldwide responding to rising passenger volumes through ambitious terminal construction and modernisation programmes.
From cutting-edge modular construction to large-scale greenfield terminals, the year demonstrated the aviation sector’s capacity for innovation and strategic planning. Many projects prioritised passenger-centric design, incorporating enhanced check-in, security, and boarding facilities, streamlined circulation, advanced baggage handling, and expanded retail, dining, and lounge offerings. Sustainability was also a key focus, with airports introducing energy-efficient systems, renewable energy integration and eco-conscious materials to reduce environmental impact while future-proofing infrastructure.
Reflecting on the year, here is my pick of stand-out terminal construction and improvement projects from around the world:
January – King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
On 8 January 2025, King Khalid International Airport (RUH) opened the first phase of its major Terminal 1 expansion, marking a significant step in Riyadh’s broader aviation transformation strategy.
The upgraded facility introduced expanded check-in areas, enhanced passport control, modernised boarding gates, and improved passenger circulation, designed to support rising demand.
As part of Saudi Arabia’s long-term plan to develop RUH into one of the world’s leading hubs, the new terminal infrastructure focuses on elevating service quality, strengthening operational resilience, and creating a more seamless travel experience for both international and domestic passengers.
February – Vilnius Airport (Lithuania)
Vilnius Airport (VNO) officially opened its new departures terminal on 4 February 2025.
The new facility is designed to significantly enhance capacity and elevate the passenger experience. It has doubled Vilnius Airport’s passenger throughput capability, while integrating modern technologies and infrastructure to support increased traffic and improved service levels.
This project forms part of Lithuania’s broader plan to strengthen Vilnius Airport as a key regional hub, capable of accommodating up to 5 million passengers annually. The terminal’s design emphasises flexibility for future expansions, allowing the airport to respond to evolving passenger demand and technological advancements.
March – Kansai International Airport (Japan)
In March, Kansai International Airport (KIX) unveiled its renovated Terminal 1 ahead of the 2025 World Expo Osaka. The redevelopment reconfigured both international and domestic areas, expanding security checkpoints, boarding gates, and passenger circulation spaces to handle rising travel demand. The project also introduced enlarged retail zones, including Japan’s largest walkthrough duty-free shop.
These enhancements position KIX to better serve the Kansai region’s growing air traffic and ensure the airport is fully prepared to host major events.
April – Antalya International Airport (Türkiye)
In April, Antalya International Airport (AYT) opened its expanded domestic and international terminal facilities, marking a major milestone in the airport’s modernisation programme.
The development significantly increased passenger capacity, growing the international terminal by more than 160,000 square meters. The upgraded terminals feature modern check-in areas, enhanced security and baggage handling systems and new retail, dining and VIP facilities.
Meanwhile, new aircraft parking stands and taxiways were also added to improve operational efficiency.
May – Belfast International Airport (Northern Ireland, UK)
Belfast International Airport (BFS) opened the first phase of its terminal redevelopment and extension on 6 May 2025.
Phase One of the 100 million GBP investment programme introduced a terminal extension, featuring a state‑of‑the‑art security hall with next‑generation equipment, an expanded duty‑free retail area combining shopping and food & beverage outlets and improved arrivals facilities including a new external forecourt.
This phase enhanced the airport’s passenger processing capacity and experience, supporting future growth as part of a multi‑year modernisation plan.
June – Jayprakash Narayan International Airport (Patna, India)
In early June, the newly built terminal at Jayprakash Narayan International Airport (PAT) in Patna began operations, with the first passenger flight landing on 3 June.
The state‑of‑the‑art facility is equipped with five aerobridges, 64 check‑in counters, 13 boarding gates, advanced baggage screening systems and a multi‑level car park for 1,100 vehicles.
Designed to significantly enhance capacity and the passenger experience, the terminal is part of broader efforts to upgrade aviation infrastructure in eastern India and improve regional connectivity, with a projected annual handling capacity of around 10 million passengers.
July – Velana International Airport (Maldives)
On 26 July, Velana International Airport (MLE) officially opened its new international passenger terminal, marking a major milestone in the country’s aviation and tourism development strategy.
The new terminal substantially increases the airport’s passenger handling capacity and is designed to accommodate sustained growth in international arrivals, driven largely by the Maldives’ expanding tourism sector. Key enhancements include significantly larger check-in and departures halls, upgraded immigration and security processing areas, modernised baggage handling systems and improved passenger circulation to reduce congestion during peak arrival and departure periods.
August – Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (USA)
In August 2025, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) reached a major construction milestone on its Terminal F expansion, placing the final prefabricated mega‑module. These modules form the structural framework for the new terminal’s initial phase and mark a first‑of‑its‑kind engineering feat in airport construction.
Each weighing thousands of tonnes and in some cases spanning almost as large as a football field, the modules were transported overnight using self‑propelled transporters. At the site of the Terminal F footprint, they were precisely aligned and installed on prepared foundations.
Terminal F is a key element of DFW’s long‑term growth strategy, which also includes expansion of Terminal C and wider airside infrastructure enhancements. Once complete, Terminal F will house nine new gates, modern passenger processing facilities, enhanced concessions and amenities, and support future network growth for both domestic and international services.
September – Santiago International Airport (Chile)
In early September 2025, Santiago International Airport (SCL) celebrated the completion and official opening of the final phase of its domestic terminal expansion and refurbishment project. This major infrastructure investment, delivered by VINCI Airports, has significantly increased the airport’s capacity to serve rising passenger volumes, while better integrating domestic operations with the wider airport hub.
The project included expanded terminal circulation spaces, upgraded passenger processing facilities, additional boarding areas and enhanced retail and dining offerings – all designed to respond to robust year‑on‑year growth in domestic travel.
This milestone marks the conclusion of a multi‑stage programme that positions Santiago as one of the leading airport gateways in the region, capable of accommodating up to 20 million passengers annually and reinforcing Chile’s broader aviation network.
October – Techo International Airport (Phnom Penh, Cambodia)
In October 2025, Techo International Airport (KTI) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia was officially inaugurated, marking the opening of the country’s new flagship international airport terminal.
This state‑of‑the‑art facility replaces the former Phnom Penh International Airport and represents one of Southeast Asia’s most significant aviation infrastructure developments of the year.
The expansive terminal building spans approximately 235,500 square metres and integrates contemporary architectural design with cultural influences, while advanced facilities support efficient passenger processing and strong connectivity to global destinations.
It is equipped to handle up to 13 million passengers annually in its first phase of operations, with provisions for future expansion to 30 million and beyond. The terminal features modern passenger processing systems, spacious circulation areas, improved retail and hospitality offerings, and sustainability‑focused design elements.
November – Pittsburgh International Airport (USA)
In November 2025, Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) opened its new consolidated terminal following a 1.7 billion USD redevelopment programme to modernise passenger facilities and improve operational efficiency. The new terminal combines all airline operations into a single, contemporary building, replacing the previous multi-terminal layout and reducing passenger transfer times.
Key features of the new terminal include:
- Streamlined check-in, security and baggage claim processes with expanded lanes and state-of-the-art screening technology
- Modern gate areas and lounges, enhanced dining and retail offerings and improved seating and circulation spaces
- Sustainability-focused design elements, including energy-efficient systems, natural light optimisation and water-saving features
- Improved airside and landside connectivity, including new road access, parking facilities and integrated public transport links
The PIT redevelopment positions the airport to handle future growth, enhance passenger experience and support Pittsburgh’s regional economic development by strengthening air connectivity.
December – Navi Mumbai International Airport (India)
On 25 December 2025, Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) began commercial flight operations, commencing a new era of air travel for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
The airport is designed to serve as the second major international gateway for the region, complementing Mumbai’s existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and enabling capacity growth, improved connectivity and enhanced passenger experience.
The initial phase includes a brand-new terminal building with modern passenger processing facilities, state‑of‑the‑art baggage handling and smart technology systems. In its first month of operations, the airport handled approximately 23 scheduled daily departures, with flights operated by carriers such as IndiGo, Air India Express and Akasa Air, connecting the new airport to key domestic destinations across India.
This article was originally published in the Airport Industry-News magazine.
