Tucson International Airport Terminal Optimization

Project Overview

Improvements to the existing Tucson International Airport main terminal included relocation of security screening checkpoints to two newly constructed four-lane locations at the east and west ends of the terminal ticketing level, modifications and construction of food, beverage and retail concession spaces in the central portion of the terminal ticketing level and in both concourses, and upgrades of existing infrastructure including electrical, data, mechanical, fire and security systems.

Much of the work was performed during off-peak hours to minimize passenger disruption. Causing a delay at an active airport can have ripple effects across the country. Work at each gate, holding area and concourse had to be scheduled with each flight of every airline. Each flight was given two hours prior to takeoff and one-half hour after arrivals as “no-work times” to allow the passengers to be hassle-free while they waited for their flight and clear access to baggage after arrival. The amount of collaboration with every airline had to be flexible and continuous in anticipation of flight delays.

The relocation of the checkpoints required extensive collaboration among government and private entities, including Tucson Airport Authority, Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration, City of Tucson, design team, contracting team, six airlines and airport concession vendors. The airport is virtually a 24/7 operation and relocating the checkpoints, building new concessions and replacing vital backbone infrastructure while not impacting the operations of the airport was a challenge the team completed with cooperation and collaboration by all stakeholders.