The US aviation is on the cusp of evolution with multibillion-dollar airport projects for new world-class terminals, large-scale modernization, and capacity expansion. With significant overhauls to better infrastructure, technology, amenities, and security systems for departures, arrivals, and connections, 8 major US airports defy aging. A collective public-private investment of over $40 billions is making these American airports future-ready travel hubs with more widebody-aircraft handling capacity, energy efficiency, accessibility for differently-abled passengers, and likes.
A walk through 9 major US airport upgrade projects: DFW, JFK, BOS, ORD, SFO, ATL, PIT
Dallas DFW Airport Terminal F
DFW Terminal F is a major upcoming US airport expansion that will fast-tracks capacity for American Airlines and strengthen Dallas as a global gateway. It brings industry-first prefabricated megastructure modules, a new Skylink station, and widebody-capable gates. Travelers will notice faster connections, shorter walks between gates, improved baggage flow, and larger retail and lounge spaces, all useful when flying long-haul flights to India from Dallas.
- Budget: Phase 1 Around $1.6 billion; overall $4 billion
- Terminal size: Phase 1 Approx. 400,000 sq ft
- Gates: 15 gates in Phase 1; overall 31 gates
- Timeline: Phase 1 expected to open with 15 gates in 2027
- Features: New Skylink station, improved baggage and security flow, more widebody-capable gates for international routes.
New York JFK Airport Terminal One
Among the new billion-dollar terminals in the US, JFK Airport Terminal One is highly anticipated to be the largest airport terminal in the east coast. It will define how you fly to and from New York. Its contemporary architecture will let ample natural flight in through floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Travelers will experience faster security screening, improved customs processing, advanced baggage-handling system, and a unique retail and dining mix – all designed to make long-haul operations, including flights from JFK airport to India, smoother and more enjoyable. Qatar Airways, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, Air India, and several other international carriers are expected to move their operations to New Terminal One once it opens.
- Budget: Around $9.5 billion; part of a $19 billion JFK redevelopment
- Terminal size: Approx. 2.4–2.6 million sq ft total
- Gates: About 23 gates planned in Phase 1
- Amenities: 300,000+ sq ft of retail, dining, and lounges
- Timeline: Phased openings begin in 2026; full build-out through 2030
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport Expansion
Among the US airports getting major renovations, Atlanta ATL Airport is upgrading for the future through its massive ATLNext modernization program, one of the largest in US aviation. A key highlight is the Concourse D expansion, built with modular construction to minimize disruption while adding much-needed space for passengers. Alongside this, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is renovating its main terminal interiors with better lighting, higher ceilings, and wider walkways to elevate comfort for millions of travelers, including for long-haul flights from Atlanta to India and other global destinations.
- Budget: Around $1.3 billion (part of ATLNext’s $18 billion master plan)
- Size: Concourse D expansion adds about 211,000 sq ft of new space
- Timeline: Expected completion in 2027
- Gates: Around 24 gates
- Plane Train upgrade: $300 million system revamp with 63 new train cars, faster service
- Connectivity improvements: Renovated walkways and automated train stations linking terminals
- Traveler benefits: Less congestion, quicker transfers, improved comfort, and better international connections
Chicago ORD Airport Concourse D
The US airport projects for new terminals and expansions include Chicago O’Hare International Airport, where Concourse D is under construction. It is the first major addition to the terminal complex in more than three decades. Part of the ORDNext modernization program, it is designed to handle both domestic and international operations, helping ORD Airport manage its growing long-haul traffic. Concourse D will feature daylight-filled interiors, flexible gate layouts for widebody aircraft, and a suspended arrivals corridor that separates arrivals and departures.
- Budget: Approximately $1.3 billion
- Size: Around 590,000 sq ft over three levels
- Gates: 19 new gates (convertible for widebody aircraft)
- Timeline: Expected completion in 2028
- Traveler benefits: Faster transfers, improved passenger flow, and better facilities for long-haul international flights
Boston Logan Airport Terminal E
Boston Logan International Airport is upgrading Terminal E to enhance its role as a major US gateway for international travel. The expansion focuses on improving passenger experience and sustainability. The new upgraded terminal will feature a striking red prismatic roof, larger gate areas, and natural-light interiors that will simplify navigation and reduce congestion. A new multi-story parking garage for about 5000 cars will be directly linked with pedestrian and vehicle bridges to Terminals E and C, thereby improving access for departing and arriving passengers.
- Budget: Around $450 million under Massport’s NCEC Program
- Terminal size: 320,000 sq ft expansion + 70,000 sq ft renovation
- Parking structure: 725,000 sq ft multi-story garage
- Gates: 4 new gates with widebody capability
- Timeline: Construction began in 2025; completion targeted for 2028
- Passenger features: New international security checkpoint, daylight-filled interiors, improved customs and baggage systems, and local Boston-inspired retail and dining
Pittsburgh International Airport New Terminal
Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal is one of major US airport development projects. Scheduled to open in November 2025, PIT’s new terminal features advanced TSA scanners that let passengers keep laptops, liquids, and electronics in their carry-ons, speeding up security checks. The airport’s “We Got You” program offers real-time assistance to passengers with various needs. And, since the new terminal is adjacent to the concourses, PIT’s underground train will no longer be needed. Improved wayfinding at Pittsburgh Airport’s new terminal will facilitate tight connections ensuring a great deal of passenger convenience.
- Budget: Around $1.7 billion
- Terminal size: Approximately 811,000 sq ft
- Gates: Around 63 gates
- Expected opening: November 2025
- Unique design: Nature-inspired interiors, tree-branch columns, daylight-filled rooflines
- Amenities: 4 outdoor terraces, centralized security checkpoint, smart scanners, faster baggage systems, and new roadways for quicker drop-off and pickup
San Francisco SFO Airport Terminal 3 Modernization
San Francisco International Airport’s Terminal 3 West Modernization is one of the most significant US airport terminal upgrade projects currently underway. The upgrade focuses on improving passenger comfort, space, and efficiency through redesigned interiors, advanced security checkpoints, and a six-story building featuring new lounges, retail, and dining options. The upgraded SFO Terminal 3 will feature a sterile corridor connecting Terminal 3 to International Terminal G, allowing faster and easier transfers for international passengers, including of flights between San Francisco and India.
- Budget: $2.6 billion
- Terminal size: 850,000 sq ft (650,000 sq ft renovated + 200,000 sq ft new)
- Gates: 16 total gates with flexible swing gate capability
- Timeline: Completion by 2029
- Sustainability: LEED Platinum target, solar panels, energy-efficient systems
- Traveler benefits: Brighter interiors, quicker transfers, and upgraded amenities
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport’s $5bn Upgrade
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport is undergoing a $5 billion modernization and expansion program called “Upgrade SEA” to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The program includes the C Concourse Expansion and the SEA Gateway Project, both focused on improving comfort, sustainability, and passenger flow. The new C Concourse will rise four additional floors to add restaurants, lounges, and open viewing spaces, while the Gateway Project will rebuild the main terminal’s ticketing and security areas into a brighter, more efficient space.
- Investment: $5 billion modernization program under “Upgrade SEA”
- Size: About 226,530 sq ft
- Timeline: Major works completing by 2026, before the FIFA World Cup
- Sustainability: Rooftop solar panels, electric systems, biophilic interiors, energy-efficient glazing
- Security upgrades: New checkpoints and expanded screening lanes for faster processing
- Traveler benefits: Brighter spaces, smoother check-ins, modern dining options, and shorter security waits
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