January-February 2026 Archives - Airport Improvement

One of the Best Airport Projects You’ll Never See

By Paul Bowers | January 23, 2026 | Publisher's Column| January-February 2026

Welcome to our January/February issue. There are a lot of great projects to read about, supported with amazing visuals.

A Gateway to Belonging: Why Naturalization Ceremonies Matter at Airports

By Mario Rodriguez | January 23, 2026 | Industry Insider| January-February 2026

Indianapolis International Airport hosted a naturalization ceremony, welcoming new citizens and reinforcing airports as civic spaces.

Charlotte Douglas Int’l Finishes Transformational Terminal Lobby Expansion

By Jodi Richards | January 23, 2026 | Terminals| January-February 2026

In September 2025, Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) celebrated the completion of its Terminal Lobby Expansion.

Early Engagement Leads to On-Time, Under-Budget Delivery of New Baggage Handling System at San Diego Int’l

By Jenn Daack Woolson | January 23, 2026 | Baggage| January-February 2026

San Diego International Airport’s $95M baggage system showcases how collaboration, smart design, and timing delivered a TSA-compliant upgrade on time and under budget.

San Antonio Int’l Outsources Parking Management, Adds Drive-in, Drive-out Ease for Customers

By Paul Nolan | January 23, 2026 | Parking| January-February 2026

SAT’s move to Metropolis’ checkout-free parking app modernized operations, improved customer flow, and unlocked new parking revenue through dynamic pricing.

Terminal 4 at JFK Int’l Completes Tech-Driven Transformation to Boost Capacity and Redefine the Passenger Experience

By Kristen Rindfleisch | January 23, 2026 | Terminals| January-February 2026

A $1.5B transformation at JFK Terminal 4 aligns technology, infrastructure, and data to deliver a faster, more personalized travel experience.

Cyberattack Setbacks Lead to Process Refinements, Renewed Precautions at Seattle-Tacoma Int’l

By Chris Jones | January 23, 2026 | IT/Communications| January-February 2026

After a major ransomware attack shut down SEA systems, airport leaders rebuilt IT from scratch while staff kept passengers moving.

Detroit Metro Begins Implementing Electric Ground Support Equipment

By Michelle Gardner | January 23, 2026 | Ground Support| January-February 2026

DTW’s shift to electric PCA and GPU equipment modernizes gate operations, reduces emissions, and improves efficiency with federal VALE funding.

After Devastating Tornado, Crawford County Airport Rises from the Rubble Better Than Ever

By Ken Wysocky | January 23, 2026 | General Aviation| January-February 2026

An EF-3 tornado leveled Crawford County Airport in 2023—20 months later, it reopened with a new terminal and statewide recognition.

Oshawa Executive Takes Proactive Steps to Reduce Noise

By Mike Schwanz | January 23, 2026 | Runway/Ramp| January-February 2026

YOO’s runway extension helps aircraft lift off faster and higher, cutting noise over nearby homes while improving safety and efficiency.

New Display at Bush Intercontinental Offers Visitors a Glimpse into Houston

By Kristen Rindfleisch | January 23, 2026 | IT/Communications| January-February 2026

The Oculus at Houston’s IAH is a one-of-a-kind digital display that uses motion, data, and art to connect travelers with the spirit of Houston.

New System Consolidates Facility and Energy Management at San Francisco Int’l

By Andrew Tellijohn | January 23, 2026 | Environmental| January-February 2026

SFO consolidated facility and energy data across 100+ buildings, improving operations, reducing costs, and advancing Net Zero by 2030.

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) – Technicolor Tribute

By Staff | January 23, 2026 | Artscapes| January-February 2026

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport honors Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth with a 66-ft mural celebrating his civil rights legacy.