Key points to know:

• Four different construction projects are going on simultaneously at SGF through the end of October.
• Every step in a passenger’s travels at the airport will be impacted by construction. 
• By the end of 2026, more than $35 million will be invested in improving the airport.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

With temporary walls by gates, excavators near the parking lot and concrete pouring just north of the terminal, construction is seemingly everywhere at Springfield-Branson National Airport.

At SGF, the projects have aligned. For two months this fall, every step of the passenger experience at SGF will be impacted by construction.

“From finding a parking spot in the short-term lot to taxiing out to the runway, every step our passengers take will be impacted by construction this fall,” said Dave Schaumburg, assistant director of aviation at SGF. “The impact to passengers is significant, but it’s also a major improvement for their experience long-term at the airport.”

Short-Term Parking Lot Expansion

This August, construction began on a $2 million short-term parking lot expansion project. By spring, 255 more parking spots will be added to the short-term lot at the airport. This fall, the western portion of the parking lot expansion is underway.

Certain portions of the parking lot are closed to allow for construction, and the exit to the short-term parking lot has been adjusted. Construction on the western parking lot addition should be complete this fall, with additional parking spots, six electronic vehicle charging stations and refreshed landscaping completed in spring 2026.

Flooring Replacement Project

The long and meticulous flooring replacement project continues this fall. Phase 1 of six phases should be completed by Halloween, with a quarter of the terminal lobby terrazzo in place. This first phase completion will lessen the impact on passengers navigating the terminal lobby, but in November, work is scheduled to begin on replacing the floors in the security checkpoint.

Demolition of existing floor and polishing new terrazzo takes time and is a loud process. Passengers are encouraged to bring headphones when travelling for a more enjoyable experience during construction.

Jet Bridge Replacement Project

The steps passengers take right before they board a plane are brief but essential to ensure they are comfortable for every flight. At SGF, an effort to replace five jet bridges will conclude this fall. The fifth of five jet bridges is currently being replaced, concluding a $7 million investment in the passenger boarding experience at SGF. After the final new jet bridge comes into service, additional work will continue on providing portable air conditioning to the other five jet bridges, providing improvements for passengers at all 10 jet bridges in 2025.

Terminal Apron Expansion

As planes taxi to their runway, each plane will pass by a large hole in the ground. This fall, nearly $10 million in concrete will be poured as part of the Terminal Apron Expansion Project. Former Senator Roy Blunt secured $6.4 million in federal funds for the project.

This work will expand the concrete area near the gates, which is the literal groundwork for a future terminal expansion. The Airport Master Plan has high-level concepts of what the terminal could look like with up to six additional gates when SGF passenger numbers continue to grow.

From parking their car to taking off in a plane, passengers are experiencing construction at SGF. But an airport under construction is an airport that’s thriving – SGF is on track to have 1.5 million passengers or more in 2025, and growth demands infrastructure investments, says Brian Weiler, airport director.

“SGF is unique to be an airport that’s consistently growing year after year,” said Brian Weiler, airport director. “Our passengers, our community, deserve an airport that meets their needs and provides a high-quality experience when they travel. The work continues, and so does construction.”