Key Takeaways
• May 27, 2025, Redmond City Council approved $117,784,847 for airport terminal expansion.
• Construction starts summer 2025, finishing in summer 2027 with major facility upgrades.
• Expansion adds 80,000 sq ft, seven jet bridges, 800–1,000 new seats, and ADA accessibility.
On May 27, 2025, the Redmond City Council made a major decision that will shape the future of air travel in Central Oregon. By approving a funding package of $117,784,847 for the Redmond Municipal Airport Terminal Expansion Project, the council set in motion a construction effort that aims to transform the airport’s facilities, meet the needs of a fast-growing region, and support the local economy for years to come. This article explains what this decision means, how the project will unfold, and what travelers, businesses, and the community can expect as the airport enters a new era.
What Happened: The Redmond City Council’s Approval
The Redmond City Council, the main governing body for the city, voted on May 27, 2025, to approve the funding and project plan for the Redmond Municipal Airport Terminal Expansion Project. This vote passed with strong support, even though Councilors Kathryn Osborne and Jay Patrick were not present. The approval means that the airport now has the green light to begin a major construction project that will modernize its terminal, add new amenities, and increase its capacity.
Key facts:
– Approval date: May 27, 2025
– Funding amount: $117,784,847
– Project start: Construction begins summer 2025
– Expected completion: Summer 2027
The decision comes after years of planning and discussion, as the airport has seen passenger numbers double since 2016. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, this rapid growth has put pressure on existing facilities, making expansion a top priority for city leaders and airport officials.
Why the Expansion Is Needed
Redmond Municipal Airport, also known as Roberts Field, serves as the main airport for Central Oregon. Over the past decade, the region has experienced a population boom and a sharp increase in tourism. As a result, the airport’s passenger numbers have grown from about 600,000 in 2016 to a projected 1.25 million in 2025.
This growth has led to crowded terminals, long lines, and limited seating. The airport’s current facilities are simply not big enough to handle the number of travelers passing through each year. Without expansion, the airport would struggle to provide a good experience for passengers and could even lose out on new airline routes in the future.
Airport Director Zachary Bass has been a strong supporter of the project, explaining that the expansion is necessary to keep up with demand and to attract new airlines, such as Southwest Airlines, which remains a top target for future service.
Where the Money Comes From
The total funding for the current phase of the Terminal Expansion Project is $117.8 million. This money will come from several sources:
– Federal grants: A large portion of the funding comes from federal government grants aimed at improving airport infrastructure.
– State grants: The Oregon Department of Transportation provided a $10 million grant in 2024 to help support the project.
– Loans: The airport will also use loans to cover part of the cost.
– Airport revenue: Money earned by the airport itself, such as from parking fees and concessions, will help pay for the project.
Airport Director Bass has confirmed that backup funding sources are in place in case any federal support is withdrawn. This careful planning helps ensure that the project can move forward even if there are changes in government funding.
What the Expansion Includes
The Terminal Expansion Project is one of the largest construction efforts in the airport’s history. Here’s what travelers and the community can expect:
More Space and Better Facilities
- Over 80,000 square feet of new concourse space will be added to the terminal.
- Seven new jet bridges will allow passengers to board planes directly from the terminal, protected from the weather.
- 6,000 square feet of new retail and food options will triple the size of current concessions, giving travelers more choices for shopping and dining.
- 800 to 1,000 new holding seats will be added, more than tripling the current seating capacity in waiting areas.
Improved Accessibility and Sustainability
The expansion will make the airport easier to use for everyone, including travelers with disabilities. Design features will improve ADA accessibility (making sure people with disabilities can use the facilities easily). The project also aims for LEED certification, which means it will meet high standards for energy efficiency and environmental friendliness.
Modern Design and Local Character
The airport’s design and engineering partners—RS&H, Hennebery-Eddy, and Morrison-Maierle—are working with construction partner Skanska to create a terminal that feels modern but still reflects the local character of Central Oregon. Some design details, such as which restaurants and shops will open in the new space, will be announced in the coming months.
How the Project Will Be Built
The Terminal Expansion Project will be carried out in several steps to keep the airport running smoothly during construction. Here’s how the process will work:
1. Pre-Bid and Contractor Engagement
Before construction starts, Skanska and its partners are holding pre-bid open houses. These events give local businesses and contractors a chance to learn about the project, ask questions, and find out how to qualify for work on the expansion. There is a special focus on reaching out to small, disadvantaged, and minority-owned businesses to make sure everyone has a fair chance to participate.
2. Finalizing the Design
The airport is working with its design and engineering teams to finalize the details of the new terminal. Some elements, like the specific restaurants and shops that will open, are still being decided and will be shared with the public soon.
3. Groundbreaking and Construction
Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2025. The work will be done in phases to minimize disruption for travelers. The most significant impacts will happen when the new concourse and jet bridges are being built.
4. Phased Construction
By building the project in phases, the airport can keep parts of the terminal open while work is underway. This approach helps reduce delays and keeps the airport operating as smoothly as possible.
5. Completion and Opening
The expanded terminal is expected to open in summer 2027. Once finished, the airport will have much more space, better amenities, and the ability to serve more passengers each year.
What Travelers Can Expect During Construction
While the expansion brings many long-term benefits, travelers should be prepared for some short-term inconveniences during the two-year construction period. John Neilsen, a City Councilor and Airport Committee Member, has urged patience from travelers, noting that the temporary disruptions will lead to a much better airport experience in the future.
Travelers should expect:
– Longer wait times at security and check-in
– The need to arrive earlier for flights
– Possible changes to parking and drop-off areas
– Construction noise and activity in and around the terminal
The airport will provide regular updates on construction progress and any changes that might affect travelers. For the latest information, visit the Redmond Municipal Airport’s official construction updates page.
Opportunities for Local Businesses
The Terminal Expansion Project is not just about building a bigger airport—it’s also a chance for local businesses and contractors to get involved. The airport and its partners are hosting open houses and outreach events to connect with small, disadvantaged, and minority-owned businesses. These efforts help ensure that the economic benefits of the project are shared throughout the community.
Local businesses can look forward to:
– Contracting opportunities for construction, supplies, and services
– New retail and concession spaces inside the expanded terminal
– Increased demand for tourism and hospitality services as more travelers pass through the airport
Impact on the Community and Regional Economy
The expansion of Redmond Municipal Airport is expected to have a positive impact on the entire Central Oregon region. By increasing the airport’s capacity and improving its facilities, the project will:
– Support continued population and tourism growth
– Make it easier for businesses to attract talent and connect with customers
– Boost local tourism by making Central Oregon more accessible to visitors
– Create new jobs in construction, retail, and airport operations
City officials and industry observers see the project as a model for how mid-sized airports can modernize while keeping their local character. The expansion is designed to be flexible, so the airport can continue to grow and adapt to future needs.
What About New Airline Routes?
While the Terminal Expansion Project will make it possible for the airport to serve more passengers and airlines in the future, there are no immediate plans to add new routes or airlines as part of this phase. However, airport leaders are always in talks with airlines about possible new service, and Southwest Airlines remains a top priority for future expansion.
By building a larger, more modern terminal, the airport hopes to attract new carriers and offer more destinations in the years ahead.
Policy and Planning Background
The Terminal Expansion Project is the result of careful planning and community input. The airport’s Terminal Area Concept Plan (TACP) and Master Plan have guided the project, using data and forecasts to make sure the expansion meets future demand.
Funding for the project has evolved over time, with a mix of federal, state, and local sources. The recent $10 million state grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation in 2024 allowed for design enhancements and helped keep the project on track.
Accessibility, Sustainability, and Design Goals
A key goal of the expansion is to make the airport more accessible and sustainable. The new terminal will include:
– Improved ADA accessibility: Features that make it easier for people with disabilities to use the airport
– Energy-efficient design: Building materials and systems that reduce energy use and lower operating costs
– LEED certification: A widely recognized standard for green building, showing the airport’s commitment to sustainability
These design goals help ensure that the airport is welcoming to all travelers and is built to last.
What’s Next: Timeline and Future Developments
The next steps for the Redmond Municipal Airport Terminal Expansion Project are clear:
– Summer 2025: Construction begins, with phased work to minimize disruption
– 2025–2027: Ongoing construction, with regular updates for travelers and the community
– Summer 2027: Expanded terminal opens, offering more space, better amenities, and improved service
Additional grant funding may allow for further improvements, such as expanded baggage claim facilities. The airport will continue to pursue new airline partnerships and adapt to changing travel patterns.
Official Resources and How to Stay Informed
For the most up-to-date information on the Terminal Expansion Project, travelers and community members can visit the Redmond Municipal Airport’s official website. The site includes construction updates, project details, and contact information for airport staff and construction partners.
Other useful resources include:
– City of Redmond
– Oregon Department of Transportation
If you have questions about the project or want to learn about business opportunities, you can contact Ben Marley, Skanska Senior Project Engineer, at (503) 713-9402 or [email protected].
Takeaways for Travelers, Businesses, and the Community
The Redmond City Council’s approval of over $117 million for the Terminal Expansion Project marks a turning point for Redmond Municipal Airport and the entire Central Oregon region. While the next two years will bring some challenges for travelers, the long-term benefits are clear:
– More space and better amenities for passengers
– New opportunities for local businesses and contractors
– Stronger support for the region’s growing population and economy
– A modern, accessible, and sustainable airport ready for the future
By investing in its airport, Redmond is making sure it can welcome more visitors, support local businesses, and stay connected to the rest of the United States 🇺🇸 and beyond. For everyone who lives, works, or travels in Central Oregon, the Terminal Expansion Project is a sign of exciting growth and new possibilities ahead.
Learn Today
Redmond Municipal Airport → Primary airport serving Central Oregon, also known as Roberts Field, with growing passenger demand.
Jet bridges → Enclosed, movable connectors that link airport terminals to airplanes for passenger boarding.
ADA accessibility → Design standards that ensure facilities are usable by individuals with disabilities.
LEED certification → A certification indicating a building meets high environmental and energy efficiency standards.
Federal grants → Financial awards from the U.S. government to fund public infrastructure projects.
This Article in a Nutshell
Redmond’s City Council approved over $117 million for a major airport expansion starting summer 2025. The project adds space, accessibility, and amenities, meeting rising demand as passenger numbers near 1.25 million, reshaping regional travel and business opportunities by summer 2027.
— By VisaVerge.com
