Major US airport to unveil $2.2 billion renovation with state-of-the-art security & new terminal in 2026

A MAJOR US airport is set to unveil its $2.2 billion renovation in 2026 after work kicked off in 2019.

The huge regional travel hub will complete the second and last phase of the project in a matter of months, offering a range of perks to travelers including faster security and a new terminal building.

Portland International Airport started work on the multi-billion-dollar project in 2019, with construction starting in 2020.

Phase one, which was completed in August last year, saw the airport boast a new state-of-the-art terminal building and improved security checkpoints.

The new building has top-of-the-range security checkpoints which no longer require passengers to remove items from baggage thanks to updated scanner technology.

Not only does this improve safety, it cuts long wait times at the checkpoints.

There are also new check-in areas, immersive video walls, stadium seating, and nature-inspired interiors that are designed to give travelers the feeling of having a “woodland stroll”, creating a calming space.

In 2026, officials plan to unveil the completed renovation with more shops, lounges, and improved connections between the plane and the concourses.

“Travelers have a lot to look forward to when [it’s] done,” Allison Ferre, spokesperson for the Port of Portland said of the current construction works that account for about 30% of the overhaul project.

“It’s going to be designed and outfitted to match the rest of the new main terminal.

“The bypasses are going to be gone. So they’re going to have new direct routes straight from the concourses to baggage claim. No more construction detours once you land,” she said of the benefits once work is complete.

Travelers will see more seating, shops, restaurants, newsstands, and bathroom facilities when the final result is unveiled next year.

By 2045, the airport expects to be catering for about 35 million passengers per year.

And it’s not the only US travel hub that has undergone a major update.

Last month, Pittsburgh International opened its brand new terminal just in time for Thanksgiving, following $1.7 billion worth of renovations.

Meanwhile, one of the country’s busiest airports has started work on its $6 billion project which includes a brand new vertical take off facility.

The project aims to see the airport more readily meet demand as it breaks passenger records year on year by focusing on customer experience, community, infrastructure, and people.