Owensboro Airport reveals potential concepts for new terminal

OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT) — Frequent flyers in Owensboro could soon be arriving at a larger and more modern terminal at the Owensboro – Daviess County Regional Airport. Airport officials are unveiling the conceptual designs for that new terminal.

If approved, flyers will only have to travel a half a mile down the road to a new terminal that will increase in size by nearly 10,000 square feet. The terminal would be located north of Mid America Jet Airpark.

It’s not set in stone, but current designs for the $50 million project will take the 17,000 square foot terminal to 26,500 square feet.

“The building that we’re actually in today is about 72 years old…well past its useful life and has had several infrastructure, needs and deficits that we need to address. We’ve had several insurance damages that have cost well over $900,000 worth of damage in the past several years,” says Tristan Durbin, the Airport Director.

Officials say November 2028 could be the year it opens its doors, but they’ll spend the next 12 months examining the environmental impact. The testing involves testing the soil, keeping an eye out for endangered animal species, and more.

Patti Bennett says she’s been catching flights here for 8 years, but enjoys the current set up.

“I think they’re really efficient here…I’ve never seen it like jam packed with people, like climbing all over, you know, have nowhere to sit down or anything like that. So I don’t I don’t know that. I mean, for business it’s probably a good idea, but my perspective is they do it so efficiently now that I don’t think they need more space”

The new terminal could mean more airlines. Officials say business leaders have already shown support, but they’ll look to stakeholders and the community for support before moving forward.

The airport says they’ll be looking into several ways to fund the project.

“…both federally, state and local government. There are several opportunities right now through the bipartisan infrastructure law that was passed a few years ago with some funds that are set aside specifically for terminals,” says Durbin.

Officials say they are unsure about what they’ll use the current terminal for if they’re approved, but they’re making plans to start brainstorming ideas.

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