BIRMINGHAM AL- Not since the 1931 has the Birmingham Airport had a significant construction project of this size. Phase I of the Terminal expansion and modernization was opened for a ribbon cutting and tour of business leaders and the Arts community on Tuesday.
-Ground Breaking February 10, 2011-
-Ribbon Cutting for Terminal Modernization February 27, 2013
The $201 million project will be opened for travelers this Spring. Construction that began in February of 2011 includes:
- Additional concourse with 19 new gates
- Addition of a Federal Inspection Station or Customs Office
- Addition of a new Apron
- Separation of Departing and Arriving Passengers
- Centralized Security Lanes to improve Passenger Flow
- Centralized Baggage Screening System
- Enhancements of Parking Deck
- New Wider Covered Walkways from Parking deck to Terminal
- Local Art and Cultural Exhibits throughout the terminal
The Terminal Modernization is part of a three stage redevelopment plan that has been in the works for more than a decade, it is 67% complete. The project builds on the June 2007 opening of the extended runway 6/24, which accommodates a fully loaded and fully fueled 747 cargo aircraft departing for a nonstop overseas flight.
The second phase is the demolition and renovation of Concourse C and will begin once the other concourses open this spring and should be complete in 2014. Travelers will notice many added conveniences from curbside to the gate.
Local art exhibits and restaurants accomplish the look and Alabama feel of the new Terminal. Gail Andrews, Executive Director of the Birmingham Museum of Art said, " We thought the best way to represent that is by the cultural organizations." B Meyer, See the Image GALLERY