Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) is planning a new 60,000-sq-ft international concourse, one of a series of major construction projects slated and underway as part of a multiyear, $1-billion SDF Next capital improvement program.
The airport, which opened to passengers in 1947, currently only has international service for cargo.
The new concourse will include four dual-use jet bridges, allowing gates to accommodate both domestic and international flights. Bidding is scheduled for November, with construction expected to begin in January and take about three years to complete, according to the Louisville Regional Airport Authority.
“We are certain that the day it opens we will have international service. That’s how much demand there is,” said airport authority Executive Director Dan Mann, speaking to local WDRB-TV.
Launched in late 2019, SDF Next is a long-term modernization of the Jerry E. Abramson Terminal and the airport’s airfield.
Among the largest projects is a $45-million expansion of the terminal’s security checkpoint. Airport officials describe it as the most significant change to the terminal in more than 35 years. The project is scheduled for completion in early 2027. Abel Construction of Louisville is the contractor for the 30,000-sq-ft terminal addition that will provide up to ten TSA screening lanes.
“We did not have enough checkpoint lanes for all the people that are trying to get through and we started to experience some long backups,” Mann said.
Another investment entails $32 million going into a microgrid designed to improve the airport’s electrical resilience. The centralized generator system will enable the airport to operate independently of the electrical grid when needed. Completion is scheduled for fall 2026. The general contractor is MAC Constructing and Excavating of New Albany, Ind.
Another $45 million is being invested in improvements to post-security areas of Concourses A and B. The work includes upgraded signage and lighting, modernization of gate waiting areas, additional charging stations and new airline podium stations at each gate. The concourse improvements are scheduled for completion in fall 2027. The contractor is Calhoun Construction.
E & B Paving is handling a $19.6-million project in the northeastern portion of the airfield that includes reconstruction of Taxiway D north of Taxiway L and connector taxiways serving Runway 17L-35R. Work includes new pavement, asphalt shoulders, upgraded airfield lighting and improved drainage. The project also will correct taxiway-to-taxiway centerline separation issues to meet current standards. Work includes pavement, asphalt shoulders, airfield lighting, drainage and geometry corrections. Completion is scheduled for fall 2026.
With E & B in the lead, the airport also is carrying out the $11.1-million second phase of its Taxiway B project in the northwest portion of the airfield. The project covers Taxiway B between B5 and Taxiway F and includes new pavement and asphalt shoulders, upgraded lighting and drainage improvements.
The Taxiway B work also will modernize taxiway fillet geometry to comply with current Federal Aviation Administration standards. Construction began in spring 2026 and is scheduled for completion in fall 2026.
The airport had more than 4.8 million total passengers in 2024, marking the second consecutive year passenger traffic has reached an all-time high, the airport authority reports.
Source: www.enr.com
