St. Louis Airport Embarks on Major Renovation Project

Centralization of operations and terminal modernization aim to accommodate growing passenger demand and larger aircraft.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 8:59am

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The St. Louis Airport is planning a multi-year, $3 billion renovation project to modernize its terminals and expand capacity to meet growing passenger demand and accommodate larger modern aircraft. The plans call for repurposing the newer Terminal 2 and centralizing all airport operations through the expanded Terminal 1, which will increase gate capacity from 36 to 62 gates.

Why it matters

The airport renovations are crucial to keeping pace with the rapid evolution of commercial aviation, as newer, larger aircraft require terminal and gate designs that the current airport infrastructure cannot adequately support. The project aims to make the St. Louis Airport more efficient and attractive for airlines, potentially leading to expanded flight offerings and connectivity for the region.

The details

The airport's two main terminals, Terminal 1 (opened in 1956) and Terminal 2 (opened in 1998), were designed to accommodate smaller aircraft of their respective eras. However, modern passenger jets have significantly larger wingspans and dimensions, rendering the current terminal layouts inefficient. The proposed renovations will centralize all airport operations through an expanded Terminal 1, increasing gate capacity and combining customs, security, and airline check-in services into one consolidated area.

  • Construction is slated to begin in late 2026 following funding approvals and permit acquisition.
  • The expansion project is estimated to be completed in 2031 or 2032.

The players

St. Louis Airport

The main airport serving the St. Louis metropolitan area, handling almost 16 million passengers in 2024.

Terminal 1

The airport's original terminal, opened in 1956 and primarily serving domestic travel.

Terminal 2

The airport's newer terminal, opened in 1998 and serving as a hub for Southwest Airlines and international flights.

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What’s next

Airport administrators are still finalizing contract negotiations with construction firms before the renovation project can officially begin.

The takeaway

The St. Louis Airport's ambitious renovation plans aim to transform the facility into a more modern, efficient, and attractive hub for airlines and passengers, positioning the region for increased connectivity and economic opportunities in the years to come.