Throughout 2024, passenger numbers have continued to rise globally, with IATA reporting an all-time high for passenger demand. In response to this travel demand, airports and airlines are investing in expansion and redevelopment plans to enable long-term growth.
Reflecting on 2024, here is my pick of stand-out projects from around the world:
January – Hollywood Burbank Airport (USA)
At the start of 2024, Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) began construction on its Elevate BUR passenger terminal replacement project.
The new 355,000-square-foot, 14-gate terminal, located in the airport’s northeast quadrant, will replace the outdated facility to meet FAA and state standards while enhancing passenger convenience and safety.
February – Vienna International Airport (Austria)
In February, Vienna International Airport (VIE) began construction work on its 420 million EUR Southern Terminal Expansion Project, set to be completed by 2027.
This 70,000-square-metre expansion aims to enhance passenger experience and strengthen the airport’s position as a key transport hub.
It will include new shopping and dining outlets, leisure areas, lounges, 18 bus gates, and an upgraded security checkpoint.
March – London Heathrow Airport (UK)
Notably, improvement initiatives at airports can also be led by airlines, rather than the airports themselves.
In March, British Airways launched a 7 billion GBP transformation plan to enhance passenger experience, modernise technology, improve sustainability, and boost on-time performance. This plan includes significant investment at its hub airport, London Heathrow (LHR).
As part of the investment, the airline is investing in machine learning, automation and AI. It also created around 350 new roles at LHR, alongside purchasing new equipment such as additional baggage tugs and towing vehicles.
April – Ford International Airport (USA)
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) began its 135 million USD Terminal Enhancement Project (TEP) in April 2024.
This project will add 175,000 square feet to the terminal’s west end to boost capacity, incorporate sustainable features, and optimise operations.
The TEP project is scheduled for completion in 2027.
May – Al Maktoum International Airport (UAE)
In May, we attended the Sustainable Skies World Summit (SSWS) at Farnborough Airport. Here, Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Airports discussed Dubai’s future hub at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in Jebel Ali.
This project is set to construct an airport that will be five times the size of Dubai International Airport (DXB) and will be capable of accommodating 260 million passengers per year.
The renderings of the future hub can be viewed here.
June – San Francisco International Airport (USA)
In June, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) opened the final phase of its 2.5 billion USD project to construct Harvey Milk Terminal 1.
This concluding phase introduces the north check-in lobby, a mezzanine-level security checkpoint, additional aircraft gates, new concessions, and a post-security walkway connecting all terminals.
July – Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport (Italy)
Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport (QSR) resumed commercial services in July 2024, serving travellers visiting the Amalfi Coast in Italy. The airport is now connected by airlines such as easyJet, Wizz Air, Ryanair and Volotea.
Further developments are planned, including the construction of a new passenger terminal by 2026, aiming to enhance the airport’s capacity and services.
August – Western Sydney International Airport (Australia)
In August, Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) commenced a new phase of construction, following the completion of its roof.
The structure covers over 44,000 square metres, spanning fixed link bridges, piers and the terminal main building. It is supported by over 40 kilometres of Australian-made steel purlins and more than 3,500 tonnes of steelwork.
This enabled the final crane to be removed, bringing the project closer to delivering Sydney’s new 24-hour international airport.
Following this milestone, work began focussing on weatherproofing the building to help accelerate internal works such as the feature ceiling, departure areas, lounges and retail and hospitality spaces.
September – Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (Netherlands)
In September, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) detailed a 6 billion EUR investment plan aimed at enhancing its infrastructure, working conditions, and service offerings over the next five years.
This investment, the largest in the airport’s history, is designed to improve the experience for both passengers and airlines, ensuring Schiphol maintains its status as a leading global hub.
October – London Stansted Airport (UK)
In October, London Stansted Airport (STN) unveiled a 1.1 billion GBP investment programme aimed at enhancing the passenger experience and accommodating future growth.
The centrepiece of this plan is a 600 million GBP extension to the existing terminal.
November – Los Angeles International Airport (USA)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) reached a significant milestone in the development of its Automated People Mover (APM) system in November. For the first time, train cars commenced testing within the Central Terminal Area (CTA).
The new APM is expected to commence passenger service in January 2026.
December – San Antonio International Airport (USA)
Earlier this month, work began on building a brand new terminal at San Antonio International Airport (SAT).
The new terminal is set to feature a modern design with enhanced accessibility, improved passenger amenities, new technology, up to 17 gates and over 800,000 square feet of terminal space.
These projects highlight how the industry is responding to the surge in passenger demand, investing in new facilities and technologies to enhance the passenger experience and prepare for future growth.
As we look ahead, these investments promise to shape a more connected, efficient, and sustainable global aviation network for years to come.
These projects build on our standout picks of terminal construction and renovation projects in 2023.
