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McAllen airport outlines terminal expansion for capacity, seeks phased design and funding
Summary
Airport staff presented a terminal capacity study calling for roughly 80,000–120,000 sq ft of added terminal space, four additional gates, expanded restrooms and selective interior reconfiguration; staff said the project will be phased and that the high‑visibility "wow" elements are likely ineligible for federal funding.
Airport staff briefed the McAllen City Commission on a terminal capacity study and preliminary design options intended to add gates, restrooms and operational capacity while keeping existing service online during work.
Staff said the study identified the need to add roughly four gates (for a total of 10) and increase terminal capacity through a combination of a new concourse, expanded queuing for a future checkpoint and additional baggage claim and MEP (mechanical/electrical/plumbing) support. The presentation noted the existing terminal was built in the early 1990s and that some systems—such as baggage screening equipment—are nearing the end of their useful life. Staff said they consulted with TSA and concluded the current three CT80 explosives‑detection units will suffice for the near term, with phased replacement planned as part of the project.
Design alternatives shared with the commission included a prominent civic‑facing ‘‘wow’’ option with raised roofs and expansive glazing, a scaled‑back option that still raises the lobby volume, and a minimal option that focused only on capacity needs without facade upgrades. Staff said federal Airport Improvement Program funds (FAA) would cover eligible capacity improvements on an approximately 90/10 federal/local split, but that decorative "wow" features are not FAA‑eligible and would require local or private funding.
Commissioners pressed staff for cost estimates and phasing details; staff did not provide a final dollar figure in the public workshop but characterized the full project as a large multi‑year program and said design will include a prioritized phase that adds critical capacity first. Staff reviewed parking additions tied to recent lots, saying new lots will increase parking inventory by roughly 17% to about 1,600 total stalls after planned builds, and that staff included a proposed bus stop to seek transit routing to the new east lot.
Commissioners also asked about the Federal Inspection Station (FIS) for international arrivals; staff said FIS relocation is a separate project coordinated with CBP and that temporary facilities could be used during transitions. The commission recessed into executive session for unrelated agenda items after the presentation.
No formal votes or approvals were recorded during the workshop; staff said the next steps are to refine scopes, produce cost estimates, and return with recommended phasing and funding options for later public consideration.
