St. Louis Lambert Airport presents $253M budget for consolidated terminal project

The St. Louis Budget and Public Employees Committee convened on May 28, 2025, to discuss the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, with a particular focus on the ongoing development of a new consolidated terminal at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. The meeting highlighted the importance of fiscal responsibility and collaboration with airline partners as the city moves forward with this significant project.

During the presentation, officials emphasized that the budget was crafted with careful consideration of rising costs and potential revenue opportunities. Antonio Strong, the deputy director of finance administration for the airport, outlined the anticipated revenue sources for fiscal year 2026, which include contributions from signatory airlines, ancillary rents, and new concessions. Notably, the airport expects a total revenue of approximately $253.2 million, driven by new leases and increased concession offerings, including popular dining options like Shake Shack and Pei Wei.

The operational and maintenance budget is projected to be $162.9 million, reflecting a 5.7% increase from the previous year, while debt service costs are expected to rise by 12.1%. Strong noted that the airport's debt, which is not funded by taxpayers but by the airlines, is crucial for financing the new terminal project. A recent bond issue and a $225 million revolving line of credit with PNC Bank were approved to ensure the project remains on track.

The committee also discussed staffing levels, revealing a decrease in positions from a high of 582 in fiscal year 2011 to a proposed 520 for fiscal year 2026. This reduction reflects ongoing efforts to streamline operations while addressing a current vacancy rate of around 23%.

As the meeting concluded, committee members planned to reconvene later for questions and further discussion on the budget. The outcomes of this meeting are expected to play a vital role in shaping the future of St. Louis Lambert International Airport and its services, ultimately impacting the travel experience for residents and visitors alike.