We wanted to share a few updates about our ongoing Terminal Expansion and Modernization effort. This is a multi-year project to expand, refresh, and update the airport terminal in order to improve our service to you.
As you may know, the airport is an enterprise of the City of Pensacola, which means we receive no local tax funding. Any improvements, repairs, or expansions are paid for by our own operational funds, or from state and federal grants specific to airports and transportation facilities.
Two Escalators Are Better than One
Within the next few weeks, the escalator repair and replacement currently underway will be complete. This will give passengers two escalators – one up, and one down, in addition to stairs and elevators, for arrivals and departures. We appreciate your patience and cooperation while we finish the work on the down elevator.
In order to avoid further inconvenience during the busy summer months, we are planning to replace the second escalator during the post-Labor Day months, likely in September and October. Our goal would be for that work to be completed before the holiday travel season.
Additional Improvements on the Way
Be on the lookout for more improvements, renovations, and expansions over the coming weeks and months. These include soliciting proposals for designing and planning the expanded terminal and concourse, as well as beginning renovations on the bathrooms.
Some of our planned improvements are more than just cosmetic. Behind the scenes, we’re working to make the baggage handling system more reliable, improve the heating and air conditioning, and preventing the occasional power blips that cause computer systems to crash.
Soon, we will be working to improve the flow of traffic in front of the terminal for easier passenger loading and unloading, enhanced pedestrian safety, and to ensure we comply with Department of Homeland Security and Federal Aviation Administration requirements.
With these and other updates, we will do our best to keep you informed and aware so you can make your travel plans accordingly.
We want you to Fly Easy, and we will continue working to deliver on that promise to you.