In May 2024, Spokane International Airport (GEG) in the United States announced the completion of the western expansion of Concourse C, marking the midpoint milestone of Phase One of the Terminal Renovation and Expansion (TREX) program. The TREX project aims to address growing passenger traffic and improve airport operational efficiency through facility upgrades. The expanded section will accommodate operations for Alaska Airlines and American Airlines.
According to information from the GEG TREX website, the existing terminal facilities at Spokane International Airport had become outdated and struggled to expand gate capacity. Passenger numbers have been steadily climbing, setting consecutive records from 2017 to 2019, and rapidly recovering post-pandemic to exceed 4 million passengers annually. It is projected that by 2030, annual passenger traffic at the airport will reach 6.2 million. Ezra Eckhardt, Chairman of the Spokane Airport Board, stated: "We are not just opening a new area of the terminal. We are creating new economic opportunities for the Spokane community. By 2030, we expect over 6.2 million passengers to pass through our gates. This project simultaneously enhances our region's capacity to accommodate this exponential growth and better positions our team to attract, retain, and expand the air services that connect Spokane to the global economy."
The Concourse C expansion covers 144,000 square feet with an investment of $150 million, adding three new gates and upgrading existing facilities. Improvements include expanded ticket counters, installation of advanced exit lane technology, and numerous features to enhance the passenger experience, such as accessibility accommodations, locally sourced decor, nursing rooms, smart windows, and optimized restroom design. Infrastructure upgrades encompass mechanical, electrical systems, and baggage handling, all aimed at boosting airport operational efficiency.
Spokane International Airport has introduced gate-holding technology to optimize aircraft flow through airspace flow programs, ground delay programs, and ground stop procedures, reducing congestion. Automated tools and predictive analytics help match flights with destination traffic, improving overall operational efficiency. The airport also emphasizes sustainability by sourcing raw materials within a 500-mile radius to reduce transportation emissions.
The expansion project is expected to create nearly 1,200 jobs, generating $87 million in household income and $313 million in economic activity for the local area. Funding comes from bonds, federal funds, and grants, without utilizing local tax dollars. Design was handled by Alliiance Co., and construction was completed by a joint venture of Q&D Construction and Garco Construction, supporting the regional economy.
A 2024 unveiling ceremony showcased the new gates, ticket counters, and passenger facilities, with a total cost of approximately $150 million. Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown commented: "You will be amazed when you see the decor and some of the special facilities here for the traveling public." The final design includes a plaza, decor using local materials, and an optimized layout to enhance the passenger experience and airport operational efficiency.
As one of the faster-recovering small and medium-sized airports in the United States, Spokane International Airport is enhancing its capacity and connectivity through the TREX project to support growth in both business and leisure travel, continuously improving airport operational efficiency.
