CITY BREAKS GROUND ON TERMINAL EXPANSION AND MODERNIZATION PROJECT
(Oct. 29, 2025)
MIDLAND, TEXAS -- City of Midland and Airport leaders broke ground Wednesday on the Midland International Air & Space Port Terminal Expansion & Modernization project.
The project is expected to decrease TSA screening time for passengers and allow for a dedicated Pre-Check lane. Airport officials report an average wait time of 30 minutes during peak hours. That wait time can increase to up to two hours in cases where only one lane is open.
The current airport terminal was built in the late-1990s, and this modernization project is the largest upgrade at the airport in the last three decades. Midland International has been called a jewel when it comes to economic development and quality of life inside the City of Midland. The modernization project fulfills a part of the city’s strategic goals by growing the core business of air transportation and developing and transforming the Midland airport system.
Midland is coming off back-to-back years of record airline passenger growth. In fact, passenger totals in fiscal year 2025 were up 80% compared to FY 2010.
“I am thrilled to be breaking ground on our TSA expansion project — a true reflection of the record-breaking number of travelers we continue to welcome year after year,” said At-large Councilwoman Robin Poole, the council liaison to the Airport Department/Airport Board. “Once complete, this project will improve the traveler experience with six TSA checkpoint lines and a more efficient flow, while allowing for future growth - something our airport is well-acquainted with! I’m deeply grateful to our city and airport staff for their hard work in bringing this important project to life so quickly.”
Poole also stated the project could be completed as early as Spring 2027.
The terminal project is part of $150 million in improvements at Midland International Airport and Midland Airpark. The City estimates that around 73% of those costs could be grant funded. The Airport Department will cover the rest, including using passenger fees received from airlines using Midland International. Midland International Airport is 100% self-sufficient, requiring no subsidy from the General Fund. Therefore, improvements (and operations) will happen without any need for an increase to property taxes.
Other airport system improvements currently taking place or upcoming include the construction of an additional surface lot and Airpark Development project, which will increase hangar capacity and add an additional entrance to the airport located in north Midland.