8 TERMINALS September 2026 AirportImprovement.com FCA The $160 million transformation Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) completed this summer brings a mix of old-world charm and modern convenience to the thriving small hub airport located just outside Kalispell, MT. Given the airport’s recent growth trajectory, the improvements couldn’t have arrived at a better time. The project spanned seven years, including a brief pause for the COVID-19 pandemic. Over three distinct project phases, FCA expanded its terminal from approximately 90,000 square feet to more than 210,000 square feet while retaining much of the existing footprint. A massive basement was carved from the earth to house an inline explosives detection system and core utility corridor, while space for new administrative offices was created by adding a third floor. The facility is noticeably larger thanks to its new centerpiece, a Great Hall that evokes the look and feel of both traditional European mountain lodges and nearby National Park structures. The airport expanded and modernized its TSA checkpoint and baggage claim areas; and the concessions lineup was updated with both remodeled spaces and new locations. Behind-the-scenes upgrades include new HVAC systems, electrical components and technology infrastructure that meet today’s needs and will support future growth. FACTS&FIGURES Project: Terminal Expansion Location: Glacier Park Int’l Airport, near Kalispell, MT Size: 210,000 sq. ft. (new & renovated spaces) Highlights: Wood-themed Great Hall; 3 holdrooms renovated, 4 added; 6 new passenger boarding bridges; inline baggage screening; expanded security checkpoint; additional retail & dining options Cost: $160 million spread over 3 phases Funding: $70 million in local loans backed by future Passenger Facility Charge proceeds; $41.5 million Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Entitlement/FAA Discretionary funds; $16.4 million local funding; $13.6 million in AIP Airport Terminal Program grants; $12.7 million in AIP Airport Infrastructure Grants; $9 million from TSA; $820,000 from Passenger Facility Charges Timeline: Joint venture construction bid awarded in Feb. 2020, with design work beginning in 2019 & resuming in 2021; construction completed in spring 2026 Design: Mead & Hunt Contractors: Q&D Construction; Swank Enterprises Water Barrier for Basement: Zypex Carry-on Item Screening: ConnectCT from Analogic Inline Baggage System: Robson Handling Technology USA Outbound Handling & Sorting Systems: G&S Airport Conveyor Common-Use Systems: SITA Jet Bridges: Oshkosh AeroTech Holdroom Seating & Furniture: AGATI; Arconas 2025 Passenger Volume: About 1.1 million Owner/Operator: Flathead Municipal Airport Authority Change and Growth Are Anything but Glacial at Glacier Park Int’l BY CHRIS JONES
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