Workers at the Sioux Falls airport are putting the finishing touches on the expansion and remodeling project. The primary purpose of the construction was to upgrade the facility to support enhanced airline service.
The large baggage screening equipment has been relocated to be in line with the conveyer systems. The baggage system decreases the manpower required to screen bags and eliminates the need for passengers to check-in and then stand in line to have their bags screened.
Phase I was opened for use on 11 May 2010 and included: the demolition of the entire north end of the terminal and the expansion of the building to the north and west new airline offices; improved communication lines supporting self-check-in kiosks; in-line baggage handling & screening for phase I and the oversize baggage system; heating/cooling system upgrades that will support the current building and upcoming expanded concourse.
Phase II included: demolition and reconstruction of the remaining original ticket counter area; demolition and reconstruction of the lobby gift shop and in-line baggage handling system serving the phase II ticket counters.
Other phases involved constructing a new restaurant located immediately after the passenger screening checkpoint; relocation of gate 1 holding area; expansion of gate areas by eliminating the ‘saw-tooth’ pattern of the building; installation of two new passenger loading bridges; reconstruction for an expanded concourse gift-shop; construction of a business lounge; construction of new airline operations areas; and construction of additional restroom facilities.
