The Reno–Tahoe Airport Authority announced the award July 23, calling it the most significant infrastructure investment in the airport’s 96-year history. The concourses will replace the aging B and C terminals, which date to 1981.

Once completed, the new facilities will replace 23 gates, add one more gate and feature dual taxi lanes for faster turnaround times, according to Nicolle State, public affairs manager at the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority.

Daren Griffin, president and CEO of the airport authority, said in a statement that the project “is about serving the people of our community by delivering an airport experience that is modern, efficient and welcoming.”

Reno–Tahoe International handled a record 4.8 million passengers in 2024, a 6% increase over the previous year, according to the airport authority. The Federal Aviation Administration projects the airport could reach nearly 6 million annual passengers by 2035.

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Construction is slated to commence in the first quarter of 2026, with phased openings beginning in mid-2028, and full completion anticipated in 2029. Demolition of the current concourses will start once the new terminals are operational, as detailed in the project planning documents. The phased approach ensures operations remain uninterrupted during construction.

McCarthy, which previously delivered the airport’s ticketing hall modernization, will provide preconstruction and construction services. Jacobs is serving as program manager, with Gensler as design architect.

According to reports from the authority’s Planning and Construction Committee, the new concourses will include expanded seating areas and increased natural lighting. Other changes include upgraded restrooms, featuring family and adult changing rooms, Staten said, adding that amenities will focus on "local flavors and more of what our community loves about RNO."

The project also includes a centralized utility plant (CUP) designed to support future terminal expansion and reduce long-term energy consumption. The facilities are designed for a 40-year operational lifespan and achieve LEED Silver certification or higher. The airport authority said Clark/Sullivan Construction was awarded that element of the plan.

Capital Plan and Cost Breakdown

The concourse project is backed in part by a 10-year airline use and lease agreement approved in 2022, which formed the financial basis for the airport’s multi-phase capital plan. 

Additional funding was secured through a 2024 debt issuance by the airport authority, which raised approximately $316 million through a mix of alternative minimum tax and non-AMT bonds. Proceeds are allocated for capitalized interest, reserves and construction-related expenses.

The authority also approved a $12.9 million contract amendment to complete 100% design drawings for the Gen B concourse. Design and engineering expenditures now total more than $46 million, according to committee meeting minutes.

Mark Crosby, vice president of aviation at McCarthy, said in a statement that the concourses “represent a generational investment in regional connectivity,” and added that the company is “proud to play a key role in bringing this bold vision to life.”

The concourse redevelopment is one of several projects included in the MoreRNO program. Other elements include a ground transportation center and a new airport police headquarters.

*Correction: Gensler is the design architect for RNO's new concourses, not PGAL as previously reported. The contract award is not $623 million, according to Nicolle Staten, public affairs manager of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, as stated in the McCarthy news release.