Airport official outlines multi‑phase Abilene terminal renovation; CMAR contract headed to council

An airport official presented conceptual plans to modernize Abilene’s 1968 terminal in multiple phases while keeping the facility open. The official said the project would replace escalators with multiple larger elevators (including a glass elevator), renovate mechanical systems, expand the screening checkpoint to add lanes, relocate ticket counters to a new ground‑level lobby and expand the boarding area by about 5,000 square feet.

Staff emphasized that the project must proceed while the airport remains operational and described plans to bring a construction manager at risk (CMAR) into the design phase to help control schedule and cost; a CMAR contract was reported as going to city council on Thursday. The official said the redesign also anticipates potential future expansion (space for an additional gate/jet bridge), improved restrooms including assisted restrooms, and updated fire‑alarm and generator systems.

Board members asked about passenger flow, service animals and boarding changes; the official said they would confirm whether service animals are accommodated in specific areas and reiterated the airport’s additional roles as an emergency diversion point and as a wildfire staging location for West Texas responses. The official described the project as a significant modernization to provide more passenger amenities and capacity over the next three to five years.

The official invited questions and said staff will provide follow‑up details to the board as contract consideration and design work proceed.