Omaha's Eppley Airfield Unveils Central Pavilion in Terminal Expansion

New $1 billion project will nearly double terminal size and add more amenities.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Omaha Airport Authority has released a photo showing construction progress on the central pavilion, a key component of the $1 billion expansion and modernization project at Eppley Airfield. The new central pavilion will be a spacious, open area in the middle of the expanded terminal that will house the TSA security checkpoint and a food court/shopping area.

Why it matters

The terminal expansion will increase Eppley's building space by 72%, from 375,000 sq. ft. to 646,000 sq. ft., to accommodate the airport's growing passenger traffic of over 5.2 million per year, making it the busiest in Nebraska and Iowa. The new design will centralize security and add more dining and retail options for travelers.

The details

The new Eppley terminal will feature nearly double the square footage of the old one, with centralized security, more restaurants/shops, and international arrivals capability. The central pavilion is a key part of this $1 billion expansion and modernization project.

  • The terminal expansion project is currently underway.
  • The new central pavilion is expected to be completed in 2026.

The players

Omaha Airport Authority

The organization overseeing the $1 billion expansion and modernization project at Eppley Airfield.

Eppley Airfield

The busiest airport in Nebraska and Iowa, serving over 5.2 million passengers per year.

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What’s next

The Omaha Airport Authority plans to complete the full terminal expansion project by 2028, with the central pavilion opening in 2026.

The takeaway

Eppley Airfield's major terminal upgrade will significantly expand capacity, improve passenger experience, and solidify the airport's status as a key transportation hub for the Omaha region and the state of Nebraska.