LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport is getting a major upgrade.
The Louisville Regional Airport Authority announced a $45 million investment Thursday to expand the security checkpoint in the Jerry E. Abramson Terminal by 30,000 square feet. The project is the largest change to the terminal in 35 years.
“Today’s celebration is an exciting milestone in SDF’s history as we’re enhancing our facilities for the future,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority. “The new security checkpoint will be a significant improvement for travelers that follows multiple record-setting years for passenger traffic. Thanks to increased air service and community support, we have outgrown our current security checkpoint. I am confident we’re addressing this need today by making crucial improvements aimed at continuing to provide a best-in-class experience at SDF.”
The project will expand the terminal's west side and feature up to 10 screening lanes, which will include state-of-the-art equipment and a breach control exit lane. This will increase screening capacity by 60%.
2023 marked SDF's busiest year with 2.58 million passengers. The airport is the fastest growing among the top 100 in the continental United States.
The expansion will use about $31 million in federal funds, including $7.5 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Airport Terminal Program. Another $21.6 million will be provided through the FAA's Airport Infrastructure Grant fund.
The project was designed by Minneapolis-based Alliiance and Louisville-based CMTA. Construction will begin in the coming weeks and is expected to be complete by late 2026.
“The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport is one of the economic engines of our community. With more flights out of Louisville and more people flying through our airport than ever before, this increased security checkpoint will keep pace with demand and allow for expansion in the future. This is truly a welcome addition to our community, and we appreciate all the partners at the federal, state and local level who helped make this possible,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg.