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Reno Tahoe Airport Authority outlines $650M concourse project, passenger growth and local developments
Summary
Reno Tahoe Airport Authority president Darren Griffin briefed Sparks City Council on air service recovery, capital projects at Reno‑Tahoe International and Stead airports and a $650 million concourse replacement budget within a broader $1 billion program; Griffin asked for patience during construction and highlighted regional economic impacts.
Darren Griffin, president and CEO of the Reno Tahoe Airport Authority, delivered the airport’s annual update to the Sparks City Council on Jan. 27, outlining passenger growth, air‑service changes and a multiyear capital program that includes two new concourses at Reno‑Tahoe International Airport.
Griffin said passenger volumes are approaching 5 million annually in the airport’s catchment area and highlighted several route changes: Chicago O’Hare and Austin moved to year‑round service; Atlanta returned as a daily Delta route; Guadalajara continues as a daily Volaris flight. He said air service remains competitive and dependent on aircraft availability and airline schedules.
Capital program and timing The airport authority presented an outline of major projects: terminal improvements, a ground transportation/rental car center (public‑private partnership with completion targeted in 2028) and a two‑concourse gate replacement program. Griffin gave a current budget figure of about $650 million for the two new concourses and said the total program will likely exceed $1 billion; the authority issued $240 million of debt last August to begin the program.
Other projects and economic development Griffin highlighted recent and prospective economic development linked to airport land: the Airway Commerce Center (almost 1,000,000 square feet), a logistics center at Stead Airport, and an announced lithium‑sulfur battery gigafactory proposal that would occupy roughly 125 acres if a land deal is finalized. He noted federal funding competition and rising construction costs.
Community implications Griffin warned that construction will make airport travel more difficult for a few years and asked for patience, saying the authority intends to minimize disruption and finish the program by roughly 2029. Trustees and board members were acknowledged for their roles in the capital plan.
Provenance Griffin presented at length during the Jan. 27 meeting; council members asked technical and customer service questions and expressed support for the authority’s work and for TSA operations.
Ending The airport authority will continue community engagement as construction moves forward and will report on financing and phasing as federal and airline partnerships develop.
