Ted Stevens International Airport Unveils 20-Year Expansion Plan

Alaska's largest airport projects 2% annual passenger growth, plans terminal expansion and parking upgrades

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:54am

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A highly stylized, geometric illustration depicting the sweeping, monumental scale of an airport expansion project, with towering architectural forms and smooth, airbrushed gradients in shades of blue, grey, and silver, conceptually representing the modernization of the terminal and facilities.As Alaska's largest airport plans a major 20-year expansion, the project aims to modernize facilities and accommodate growing passenger and cargo traffic.Anchorage Today

Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage, Alaska has unveiled a 20-year master plan to accommodate growing passenger and cargo traffic. The plan includes expanding the B-Concourse terminal, adding more gates and screening capacity, upgrading the baggage handling system, and increasing parking options with a new surface lot and potential parking garage. The airport is also forecasting 2.8% annual growth in cargo operations and is considering the possibility of a fourth runway in the future.

Why it matters

As Alaska's busiest airport, Ted Stevens International plays a critical role in the state's transportation infrastructure. The expansion plan aims to ensure the airport can keep up with projected passenger and cargo growth, avoiding potential congestion and delays that could impact the regional economy.

The details

The 2026 ANC Master Plan outlines several key projects to modernize and expand the airport over the next 20 years. The B-Concourse will be expanded to add more gates, screening capacity, and baggage handling capabilities. Parking will also be increased, with plans for a new surface lot and potential parking garage. Cargo facilities are also slated for expansion to handle forecasted 2.8% annual growth. While a fourth runway is being considered for the future, the airport will first conduct additional studies to determine if and when that additional capacity is needed.

  • The airport will add 268 new parking spaces this summer.
  • The master plan projects 2% annual growth in passenger traffic over the next 20 years.
  • The airport is forecasting 2.8% annual growth in cargo operations over the next 20 years.

The players

Teri Lindseth

Development manager for Alaska International Airport System.

Ted Stevens International Airport

Alaska's largest airport, located in Anchorage.

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What they’re saying

“The Master Plan is really a 20-year blueprint as to how the airport is strategically going to develop and grow and make sure that we're accommodating future operations.”

— Teri Lindseth, Development manager

“If the airport and the passenger traffic were to continue to increase and grow, and we weren't able to keep up with that modernization and growth within the terminal space, then we would definitely be seeing congestion, most likely a slower return and collection of bag times.”

— Teri Lindseth, Development manager

What’s next

The airport will conduct additional studies to determine if and when a fourth runway may be needed to support future operations.

The takeaway

Ted Stevens International Airport's expansion plan demonstrates the proactive steps Alaska's largest airport is taking to stay ahead of projected passenger and cargo growth, ensuring it can continue serving as a critical transportation hub for the state.