Positive Momentum
Terminal modernization, parking system improvements, and additional passenger-friendly initiatives are bringing travelers a best-in-class experience.
The Reinvention of MEM
“MEM is definitely on the move. 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.”
— Terry Blue, Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA) President and CEO
Following are highlights of the project:
Concourse A 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.
Parking Improvements
• Increased Parking: More than 500 parking spaces will be added to the Yellow Lot by Fall 2024
• New parking ticket and payment system
• License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras, an image-processing technology used to identify vehicles by their license plates. The system uses illumination and an infrared camera to take the image of the front or rear of the vehicle, then image-processing software analyzes the images and extracts the license plate information.
• New parking guidance system that combines traffic monitoring, onsite communication, and parking sensors technologies to provide a comprehensive service to improve travelers’ parking experience. The system will allow drivers to find unoccupied parking spaces and to locate their car when returning to the vehicle.
Future Projects
Consolidated Rental Car Center (CONRAC)
The MSCAA Master Plan has been identified the A Concourse area as a potential site for a new Consolidated Rental Car Center (CONRAC). This would enable the CONRAC to connect directly to the airport terminal, adding convenience for passengers. It would also make available the first two floors of the economy parking garage for additional passenger parking. This project is not part of the terminal modernization project and is still in design.
Future Parking Improvements
A parking spot availability guidance system, as well as parking reservations and real-time availability updates on flymemphis.com.
Modernized Terminal Renderings
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the expected budget for this project?
The most recent estimated budget for the project is approximately $653 million. However, this is an early estimate, and many elements are still in design and development. We expect this estimate 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.
How will this impact my travel day?
Initial phases of the project will have minimal impact on passengers. The creation of the new commercial ground transportation lane will have some minor impact on pedestrian traffic flow, but the airport will post directional signage accordingly. This phase will affect about 50 short-term parking spaces, though the number of accessible parking spaces will not be reduced. The outer drive project will require lane closures, which will more directly affect passengers. The terminal modernization project will be most impactful, as areas of the ticketing and baggage areas will need to be closed at various times during the construction. MSCAA will provide continual passenger communications to inform the public.
Why is this project needed?
Essentially, this project is needed to replace aging infrastructure and add needed seismic upgrades to the airport’s vehicle lanes and terminal. More importantly, this will enable many enhancements to the passenger experience. The existing facility was built in the early 1960s and was not designed for the current travel environment. Our passengers need more space in ticketing, baggage, and the security checkpoint and more efficient use of that space. For example, this project will not only add more space, but will also relocate escalators and stairs to a more convenient location at the front of the building. In addition, the project will facilitate a more efficient automated baggage screening system for passengers who are checking bags with their airlines.
How will changes be communicated?
The Airport Authority will utilize multiple forms of communication in order to keep passengers abreast of the project, including:
• MEM on the Move web page
• News releases and media interviews
• Signage for pedestrians and drivers
• Instructional videos
• Digital graphics
• MEM newsletters
• Social media
Will air service be impacted?
No, air service will not be impacted by this project.
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Recent Improvements
Modernized Concourse
The modernized concourse features more natural light, more room to move, new retail and restaurant options, and many new amenities to enhance the passenger experience.
Passenger Accessibility
MEM strives to provide reasonable accommodations for our guests, both inside our terminal and on our website. These accommodations include accessible restrooms, tools to assist those passengers with disabilities, lactation lounges for nursing mothers, and more.
MEM Master Plan
Over the past 20 years, significant changes have occurred at Memphis International Airport (MEM). The airport has transitioned to operating as an origin and destination airport and has added new airlines to serve Memphis in the post-hub era.