The first year of construction on Eppley Airfield’s $950 million terminal expansion and renovation is nearly in the books. Progress has been substantial. The steel superstructure for the future terminal is already rising, but next year promises to bring even more significant construction.
After the winter holiday travel rush ends, the expansion project – known as “Build OMA” – will enter a phase of construction that will create the biggest impact on travelers thus far. In early 2025, Eppley’s terminal will be split into two separate terminals, enabling construction on major parts of the project, including the central pavilion, where the future centralized security checkpoint and terminal concessions will be located.
On January 6th, the first phase of the terminal Split will begin with the closure of the central portion of Level 1 in the terminal. During this phase, travelers will still be able to walk between the south and north terminals using Level 2. Travelers can expect updated wayfinding to help them navigate the closed areas.
A month later, in mid-February, the entire central portion of the terminal, including Level 2, will be closed for construction. Until the new central pavilion opens in 2027, Eppley Airfield will operate with two, separated terminals. During this time, travelers who need to navigate between the south and north terminals will use the terminal drive walkways and lower level of the south garage to traverse between the two ends of the airport.
On January 1st, the airport will transition to new interim concession offerings for travelers. Post-security dining options will operate with new vendors and expanded menus. Pre-security areas will offer grab-and-go options and coffee. The full rollout of the previously announced concessions program will occur in 2027 and 2028.
While 2025 promises to be a year of transition, it also represents a pivotal step toward the expansion and renovation of Eppley Airfield.
“We appreciate the patience of our travelers and the community as work continues to build a better travel experience,” said Dave Roth, CEO of the Omaha Airport Authority. “The needs of the traveling public are behind everything we’re doing with this program. We will remain focused on those needs during this period of construction and with the future terminal experience. The transformation taking place at Eppley Airfield will make it the best airport in the Midwest.”
Not only was 2024 a year of heavy construction at Eppley, it is also expected to be a record-setting year for passenger traffic. We will know for sure when passenger numbers are finalized next month. That passenger growth is driving the need for the massive terminal overhaul.
“Build OMA is truly a transformative program that will not only meet the needs of the traveling public and help accommodate growth like we saw this year but position the airport for future growth in the decades to come,” Roth said.
Photo credit: Omaha Airport Authority
