BrookeHerdzina

In early 2024, Omaha Airport Authority at Eppley Airfield announced that the airport would undergo a $950 million renovation project. 

This project would transform the Omaha airport into an international airfield and double the existing airport’s size to almost 650,000 square feet. It is set to take four years to complete and be open to the public by 2028 according to BuildOMA.com

One of the new additions in this renovation includes larger gate-boarding areas to help with the growing number of passengers traveling through the airport. 

“Travelers will enjoy a more intuitive flow, as well as additional space and a more efficient experience overall,”  Justin Idle, Air Services & Business Development Analyst, said. 

In 2023, the airport accommodated more than 5 million passengers.

The renovations will also include a customs center for international traveling, as well as two gates that will be dedicated to international flights. 

These flights will connect Omaha to many different countries but especially the Caribbean and Mexico. 

“We now know there is strong passenger demand to select destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean but the exact routes that may be operated will be decided by the airlines,” Idle said. 

This airport “makeover” will also include more restaurants, as well as new retail shops for travelers to peruse while waiting for their flights. 

“These will benefit business and leisure travelers alike,”  Idle said. 

Outside of the building, the airport will offer more pick-up and drop-off lanes, as well as an overhead canopy above the lanes for more comfort for travelers. 

The project is not funded by property taxes but instead by airport revenues and $30 million in federal grants. 

“The Omaha Airport Authority is a non-taxing authority and collects use fees to support the operation and maintain efficiencies of airport facilities,” Idle said. 

These plans continue Omaha’s plan for expansion and modernization. 

In 2022, Omaha’s downtown scene was reworked with the renovation of the Gene Leahy Mall. 

The mall was part of a $325 million project to update Omaha’s infrastructure. 

The city also has plans to install a downtown streetcar, a $306 million project that is set to be finished by 2027. 

These new efforts to modernize Omaha help to cement the city in the national skyline. 

Recently though, a possible delay to the construction of the airport took place on April 26, 2024. Tornadoes touched down throughout the country and impacted many states including Nebraska. 

In Elkhorn especially, the damage was catastrophic and displaced many from homes. 

Additionally, Omaha’s Eppley Airfield was also affected by the storm. “The tornado that touched down near Eppley Airfield was categorized as an EF-2 tornado with winds ranging from 110 to 135 mph,” Globalair.com stated. Passengers in terminals were placed in storm shelters until the  coast was clear. 

“The airport has since reopened and flights are arriving and departing, but there was substantial damage to many buildings, hangars and planes in the general aviation area,” Global air.com stated. 

This could pose potential delays for the new construction of the airport, but no matter what happens, the airport will bring new travelers and more opportunities for Omaha.