New terminal set to transform Monterey Regional Airport

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) —Big changes are coming to the Monterey Regional Airport. Friday, airport officials broke ground on a major new terminal project that’s expected to modernize the travel experience boost safety and support tourism and growth in the region.

Terminal building that will change the face of this airport said one official during the event.

The upgrade is part of a federally mandated safety project that includes relocating a portion of the taxiway. The current terminal which serves over 600,000 passengers a year will be replaced with a more efficient and accessible facility.

"It’s going to be the same size as our old terminal but it’s going to be so much more efficient said an official," MRY officials said.

The new terminal will include more check-in counters additional TSA security lanes up to five jet bridges a redesigned front entrance with better traffic flow and easier access from parking to the terminal.

"Our parking lot is going to be improved We'll have a roundabout at the front to help with traffic When you merge into Monterey you know this is going to help tourism people that come and visit us said another official," MRY officials said.

The project also includes the addition of 425,000 square feet of new ramp space and updated hangars which are crucial for expanding airport operations.

"One big benefit is going to be air bridges, you'll be able to walk from this level here and get on the plane without having to go out into the elements said an official And that’s not only nice for the passengers it’s also going to be great for our residents who live close by," MRY officials said.

The airport is also prioritizing sustainability, the new terminal will be fully electric with zero fossil fuel emissions.

"The building will function like normal but it will have zero emissions," MRY officials said. "It will be all electric that includes the starting carts for the aircraft that Carl was intimating during his remarks There will be no fossil fuel emitted from the operations of this airport."

Airport leaders say the growth is necessary, passenger numbers have nearly doubled in the last decade climbing from 175,000 to over 311,000 annually and 2024 is already on track to break records.

"People who fly in tend to stay longer do more and spend more and they’re critically important to us said an airport representative," SeeMonterey said.

Despite the price tag just over 200 million officials emphasize that no local property taxes will be used to fund the project.

"The tenants of this airport through our rates and charges will pay for a good portion of this building Our partners with FAA have given us grants said an airport executive," MRY officials said.

Currently travelers board planes by walking outside on the tarmac, the new terminal will change that offering five jet bridges that connect passengers directly to their planes

"There will be five jet bridges those tunnels that you walk from the building out to the airplane said an official," MRY officials said. We don’t have those today We’ll have those in this building and it will be completely energy efficient."

Beyond convenience and safety the airport hopes these changes will boost the local economy.

"For us, getting folks to stay here one more night without even bringing a single additional tourist to town if they stay one more night that helps," SeeMonterey said.

Construction is now underway, the new terminal is expected to open in 2027.