MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis International Airport released renderings of their modernization project on Thursday, the start of a multi-year project expected to cost at least $650 million dollars.
Changes to the 60-year-old building will include an additional commercial lane on the baggage level, and replace the outer drive used for ticketing and departures.
“We’ve been flying out of Memphis for my whole life, I had no idea it was that old,” airport traveler Claire Harrelson said.
“Definitely could use a new facelift, that would be great. I would love some upgrades.”
The moves are beginning as soon as next month, when Concourse A will be demolished. But the biggest changes will be to the main terminal.
“The most noticeable thing is probably going to be the open space, the room to move, and the modernization. It's going to look like a modern airport,” airport spokesman Glen Thomas said.
The airport’s martini glass design which dates back to the 1960's will stay, while the baggage and ticketing areas will be expanded to improve passenger flow.
“Just making a more efficient and pleasurable passenger experience,” Thomas said. “We did that with the concourse where people are flying out from their gates right now. And we need to do that in the terminal as well.
The TSA screening area will be made larger, with the escalators and stairs moved closer to the entrance and more windows added for natural light.
"The inside of the airport is great so far,” airport traveler Matt Moore said. “But having the whole thing be done will definitely give Memphians something to be happy about.”
The project won't be fully finished until the year 2030, and the budget of $650 million is only an early estimate. The airport said on Thursday it's likely to rise once construction gets going.
