(JACKSONVILLE) Airport officials and public records show no evidence that Kansas City developers are leading or have landed major projects near Jacksonville International Airport as of August 18, 2025. Instead, the work reshaping the airport area is driven by Florida-based and national firms through a wave of construction tied to record passenger growth, a new customs facility, and major air cargo upgrades.
The largest piece is a $440 Million Terminal Expansion at Jacksonville International Airport, a project meant to add gates, ease crowding, and prepare for future international service.
Terminal Expansion and Supporting Projects
The expansion centers on a new Concourse B, a three-level, 186,733‑square‑foot building with an initial six new gates, designed to grow by up to four more.
- The Jacksonville Aviation Authority awarded construction to Balfour Beatty Construction LLC in May 2025.
- Target completion date is December 30, 2026.
Supporting projects include:
- Six‑level, $92 million parking garage (151,009 sq. ft.) — currently under city review and also led by Balfour Beatty.
- $8 million customs building — a 59,672‑sq.‑ft. federal inspection facility at 2155 Barnstormer Road.
Airport leaders say these steps will support more flights, larger aircraft, and a smoother experience for travelers passing through federal inspection.
Passenger Growth and Airline Service
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, passenger traffic hit a record 7.6 million in 2024, up about 2.8% from 2023. That climb helps explain the focus on more gates and parking, and why airlines keep adding routes.
Notable recent and upcoming service additions:
- Allegiant launched nonstop flights to Akron‑Canton, Des Moines, and Grand Rapids in May 2025.
- Delta plans to start nonstop service to Austin in May 2026.
While the airport has not announced new international flights, the customs project signals JAX is preparing for that step.
Important: If JAX secures nonstop routes to Canada or the Caribbean, the new customs facility will help CBP handle peaks during busy hours and reduce missed connections.
Customs, Global Entry, and Traveler Impact
For international travelers arriving in the United States, more customs inspection space can:
- Shorten lines and processing times
- Make it easier to process families
- Reduce missed connections during peak periods
Travelers who plan frequent trips should consider applying for Global Entry to speed re‑entry. CBP’s official page explains eligibility, interviews, and enrollment fees; see U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Global Entry program guidance at https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry.
Jobs, Construction Workforce, and Long‑Term Roles
Construction jobs tied to Concourse B, the garage, and the customs building will continue through 2026, with many roles in:
- Concrete work
- Electrical systems
- Steel erection
- Building systems integration
After opening, the new gates will create additional positions in:
- Airline operations
- Cleaning and ground services
- Retail and food service
For foreign students on work authorization and employment‑based visa holders already in the region, these projects may create stable, long‑term roles in operations and maintenance.
Air Cargo and Supporting Infrastructure
Air cargo upgrades are a key piece of the region’s growth:
- Superior Construction won the Air Cargo 3 Apron Expansion at JAX.
- Adds 11,600 sq. yards of new airfield concrete plus lighting, drainage, and stormwater upgrades.
- Work began in July 2025, with substantial completion expected by late December 2025.
Stronger cargo capacity can attract logistics firms and freight forwarders, opening jobs in warehousing, dispatch, and aircraft services.
Key Projects, Timelines, and Builders
While social media posts have suggested newly landed deals by Kansas City developers, airport files and city records do not support those claims. The current slate is led by established Florida and national contractors, supported by the Jacksonville Aviation Authority and the City of Jacksonville.
Summary table of major projects
| Project | Builder | Size / Notes | Timeline / Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concourse B (JAX) | Balfour Beatty Construction LLC | Three levels; 186,733 sq. ft.; 6 gates opening, expandable to 10 | Target Dec 30, 2026; part of $440M Terminal Expansion |
| Parking Garage (JAX) | Balfour Beatty Construction LLC | Six levels; 151,009 sq. ft. | Under city permit review; $92M |
| Customs Building (JAX) | Federal inspection facility | 59,672 sq. ft. at 2155 Barnstormer Road | Budget $8M |
| Air Cargo 3 Apron (JAX) | Superior Construction | 11,600 sq. yards new concrete; lighting, drainage, stormwater | Start July 2025; substantial completion late Dec 2025 |
Broader Aviation Ecosystem: Cecil Airport and Aerospace Manufacturing
Growth nearby is also accelerating at Cecil Airport:
- Otto Aviation (California) announced a new advanced manufacturing plant to build the Phantom 3500 business jet.
- Incentives package includes:
- $34.9 million from the Jacksonville Aviation Authority
- Up to $20 million from the City of Jacksonville
- More than $430 million in state tax credits and grants
- Announced by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on June 16, 2025.
- Facility will occupy 80–100 acres and roll out in phases over several years.
Though Cecil is separate from JAX, the jobs, supply chain links, and training needs will affect the entire region.
Local Amenities and Emerging Technologies
Changes near and inside the terminal:
- A new Wawa store is planned on Jacksonville Aviation Authority land outside the airport for drivers and travelers.
- Inside the terminal, Chili’s expanded in August 2024, and more food and retail options are expected as new gates come online.
- At Craig Executive Airport, Beta Technologies will install an electric charging station for vertical takeoff and landing aircraft — a sign the region is preparing for new types of air travel.
What Travelers and Local Families Should Expect (Next 18 Months)
- Expect periodic construction impacts, especially near the future Concourse B site.
- Parking will tighten at peak times until the six‑level garage opens; build extra time into trips.
- Consider Global Entry to ease re‑entry when international routes launch — enrollment lines can be long, so plan early using CBP’s guidance.
- New routes will likely arrive in waves as gates open. Allegiant’s additions are active, and Delta’s Austin service is slated for May 2026.
Guidance for Developers and Contractors
Those hoping to participate should:
- Track electronic bid postings from the Jacksonville Aviation Authority.
- Register with the authority before submitting solicitations.
- Prepare for tight safety and compliance rules on airside work, including:
- FAA standards for materials, lighting, and stormwater controls
- Environmental reviews
- Security clearances
Early planning is critical, as reviews and clearances can add time to schedules.
Key takeaway: The $440 Million Terminal Expansion is the anchor, but the customs building may have the widest reach by enabling future international flights and easing traveler processing. Combined with cargo upgrades and aerospace manufacturing at Cecil, the region is positioning for durable growth in travel, jobs, and training.
The bottom line: as of today, the big checks and active contracts do not point to Kansas City developers at Jacksonville International Airport. Instead, Florida and national teams are building a larger, more capable airport. If JAX continues to grow beyond 2024’s record, the new gates, garage, and customs space should arrive just in time to keep the region moving.
This Article in a Nutshell
Jacksonville’s $440 million terminal expansion anchors regional growth, adding Concourse B, six gates, and customs capacity. Florida and national firms lead construction, while cargo apron work and aerospace investment at Cecil position the region for more flights, jobs, and logistics growth through 2026 amid record passenger demand.
