FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Kristine Fife

406-475-5651
kristine@bigskypublicrelations.com

Terminal Expansion Progressing at Glacier Park International Airport

First section of the newly expanded terminal to open this fall

KALISPELL, Montana (February 15, 2023) – With 18 months of construction already in the
rearview, the first phase of the $150 million terminal expansion at Glacier Park International
Airport (GPIA) is approaching the halfway mark.

“It is incredible how far we’ve come in the past year and a half,” Rob Ratkowski, GPIA Director,
said. “It has been amazing to watch this structure take shape and we are looking forward to the
completion of the first phase this fall. We know locals and travelers alike will enjoy the new
amenities.”

The first phase, or Phase 1A, can now be seen rising up from behind the existing airport
structure. This phase includes portions of the TSA checkpoint, new jet bridges and waiting
areas, expanded retail and dining options, administrative offices, and mechanical facilities to
support the expanded building.

Travelers will also enjoy new restrooms, including a lactation room and a service animal relief
area. Nonticketed visitors will have access to a beautiful new observation area on the third floor
for viewing the airfield and watching the planes come and go.

“I’m really excited to see the completion of the viewing area,” Ratkowski said. “Aviation is a
miracle that we all take for granted. What kid isn’t excited to watch the magic of flight happen
right before their eyes? Those kids are going to be our next generation of pilots, mechanics,
and airport operators, and we want to fuel that excitement for aviation right here at GPIA”

Construction crews have finished Phase 1A steel erection and framing, and weatherproofing is
nearing completion. Windows will be added to complete exterior walls during the next several
months. This phase of the project is anticipated to open later this year, ahead of the busy
holiday season.

Following the completion of the first phase, work will transition to Phase 1B. This portion of the
project will include renovation and expansion of the ticketing area, the remainder of the TSA
checkpoint, and the remaining sections of the new grand hall.

The grand hall will be the central core and a focal point of the expanded airport. The hall will be
partially finished during Phase 1A but will realize its full grandeur with the completion of Phase
1B construction in 2025.

The final phase of the expansion, Phase 2, will include renovation of the rental car, baggage
claim, and second-floor gate areas. A completion timeline for this portion of the work is still
tentative.
The building isn’t the only thing getting an overhaul. Airport guests are already enjoying the
expanded parking amenities. The new parking lot includes an additional 375 spaces, including
ADA-accessible parking, totaling roughly 1,300 spaces between the general parking area and
the recently paved cell phone lot. The first two hours of parking in the cell phone lot are free.
This strategy aims to reduce wait times during peak hours and long lines at the passenger drop-
off and pick-up locations.

The airport is operational during construction and airline service continues as usual. Although
the building is changing, travelers and guests can expect the same great staff, service, and
safety they have come to expect from Glacier Park International Airport.

ABOUT GLACIER PARK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Airline service at Glacier Park International Airport is provided by Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air,
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, , Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines. Cities with year-
round service include Denver, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, , Salt Lake City and Seattle. Additional
cities with seasonal service include Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Oakland, Portland,
San Diego, and San Francisco. For more information about GPIA, please visit
www.iflyglacier.com.

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