MEMPHIS, TENN. (July 18, 2024) – The first phases of the largest capital project in Memphis International Airport’s (MEM’s) history are set to begin in the coming weeks. At its monthly meeting on Thursday, July 18, the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA) Board of Commissioners approved a construction contract for the demolition of Concourse A. The Concourse A demolition marks the beginning of the more than $650 million, multi-year project that will result in the modernization of MEM’s terminal building.
Additional early phases of the Terminal Modernization and Seismic Program (TMSP) project include the addition of a commercial lane on the baggage level and the replacement of the outer drive on the ticketing/departures level. These early phases will pave the way for the modernization of the ticketing and baggage areas.
The TMSP was identified in MSCAA’s recently updated Master Plan, which outlines the airport’s future construction projects based on projected passenger growth and infrastructure needs. More details can be found at https://flymemphis.com/mem-on-the-move. Following are highlights of the project:
A Concourse Demolition
Originally constructed in 1974, this concourse has not been utilized since all airline, retail and restaurant operations were consolidated into the modernized B Concourse in 2022. The area currently occupied by Concourse A will first be utilized as a construction laydown area for the terminal modernization project. Per the MSCAA Master Plan, the area has been identified as a potential site for a new Consolidated Rental Car Center (CONRAC). The site also represents the future location of a new MSCAA administration building and new checked baggage inspection system. Enabling work is expected to begin in August with demolition beginning later this fall. The project is expected to take approximately 8-10 months.
New Commercial Ground Transportation Lane
In October, the airport will begin work on creating a new commercial ground transportation lane on the baggage claim level of the short-term parking garage. Once completed, ground transportation services such as taxis, shuttles, limos and ride share services such as Lyft and Uber will be relocated to this new lane. This project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Outer Drive Replacement
Once the commercial lane project is completed, the outer commercial drive on the ticketing/departures level will be closed for demolition and reconstruction. The outer drive replacement is anticipated to begin in 2025 and is expected to take approximately two years to complete. The project will result in a seismically enhanced, expanded departures level drive. This phase of the project is necessary to facilitate the subsequent expansion of the terminal building by allowing the terminal to move outward into the existing inner-curb lane.
Terminal Modernization
The most significant phase of the project will involve the modernization of the Terminal B arrival and departure areas. Like the B Concourse that was modernized in 2022, the terminal is more than 60 years old. This portion of the project is expected to begin in 2026 with an estimated completion in 2030. This phase will feature:
- Expanded open space in the baggage and ticketing areas, with improved passenger flow.
- Larger security screening checkpoint
- Relocation of escalators and stairs to the front of the terminal building
- Preservation of the original architectural design
- New in-line checked baggage inspection system for TSA
- Seismic upgrades
Budget
The current estimated cost for the B terminal modernization and associated projects is $653 million, making it the largest capital project in MEM’s history. This budget figure is an early estimate and is likely to increase as design and construction details are finalized. Project funding will include general airport revenue bonds, state and federal grants, passenger facility charges (PFCs) and other Authority capital funds. No city or county tax dollars will be used to fund the project.
“MEM is definitely on the move,” said Terry Blue, MSCAA President and CEO. “More than two years ago, MEM reinvented the Memphis travel experience by introducing our modernized concourse. Now, we carry that momentum forward as we embark on our largest project ever, one that is designed to enhance our travelers’ experience and support our airport’s long-term growth.