According to USA Today, the $12 million refurbishment involves adding an extra area beyond the security checkpoint where travelers wait for their flights. After remodeling, travelers will walk through a single, expanded security checkpoint.
The 45,000-square-foot remodeling includes the construction of a small café, expanded waiting and bathroom areas. At present, it currently has two small concourses with no retail space or food service beyond the security checkpoint. Here, travelers are forced to buy drinks from vending machines as federal regulations do not permit drinks to pass through security at airports.
The remodeling will help expedite boarding times and security lines through the construction of a new single concourse with eight jet bridges. This new feature of the airport will eliminate the need to use stairs or a slow elevator to reach the passenger loading bridge, quickening passengers’ on and off boarding times.
John Schalliol, airport director, told the South Bend Tribune: “On Allegiant Airlines, the demographic is such that there are flights when we have 10 wheelchairs on one flight, and that takes an awfully long time to load.”
Mr Schalliol stated that the airport renovation will benefit travelers and will keep up with the region’s business growth.
From January 30th, the airport will advertise for bids for the renovation and will subsequently take those bids on March 5th.
Constructed in 1981 and expanded in 1994, the South Bend Regional Airport is governed by the St. Joseph County Airport Authority.
