Boise, Idaho, September 4, 2025
News Summary
Boise Airport has tapped Hensel Phelps as construction manager to lead a multi-year BOI Upgrade responding to sharp passenger growth, with traffic now nearing 5 million. The capital program targets major improvements including a new baggage handling system, a central utility plant, a west-side Concourse A adding up to 10 gates in phased openings, terminal flow upgrades and expanded concessions and parking. The airport approved a framework allowing contracts up to $700 million that will be paid from airport revenue, passenger charges and bonds. Work is being phased so the airport remains open during construction.
Boise Airport selects Hensel Phelps to lead multi-year BOI Upgrade as passenger traffic nears 5 million
Key decision: The Boise Airport has tapped Colorado-based construction manager Hensel Phelps to lead a multi-year capital program known as the BOI Upgrade. The work responds to sharp passenger growth — the airport served 4,990,885 passengers in 2024, an 81% rise since 2014 — and includes major projects on baggage, utilities, a new Concourse A, parking and expanded concessions.
What the agreement covers and how it will be paid for
The City of Boise approved a framework that allows the airport to contract up to $700 million through 2029 for BOI Upgrade work. Under that arrangement, projects will be commissioned as funding becomes available and construction will be paid with airport revenue, including passenger and customer charges and bonds. No general fund or property tax dollars will be used for construction.
Top projects and sequence
The program centers on several critical elements that must be completed in a specific order to enable later phases:
- Baggage handling replacement — the existing system is nearly 25 years old and parts are no longer made; the system will move to a new location on the opposite side of the rotunda.
- Central utility plant — a new plant for heating, cooling and electrical needs will be built where the current baggage area sits, requiring the baggage system relocation first.
- Concourse A — planned on the west side of existing Concourse B, Concourse A would eventually add up to 10 new gates; a phased opening could provide an initial seven gates along the concourse south side with five more in a future phase.
- Terminal upgrades — improvements to passenger flow, new reunion area in the downstairs rotunda featuring the Idaho map, and other interior updates.
Timeline and construction sequencing
Design work continues, with a draft timeline showing the baggage replacement, central utility plant, Concourse A and terminal upgrades beginning in 2027. Some projects are expected to wrap in 2028, while the concourse work may continue into 2029. A consolidated rent-a-car center (CONRAC) is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in 2026; that project is an enabling move because the current rental car footprint is planned to become an aircraft parking apron for Concourse A.
Completed and in-progress work
Several enabling projects are already finished or underway: an expanded TSA security checkpoint, a new parking exit plaza, more than 1,100 additional long-term parking spaces via a new garage, a separate employee garage, and a relocated cell phone lot. Construction on the first phase of the rental car garage is active and the CONRAC aims to eliminate shuttle trips between terminal and rental cars. New security lanes and passenger amenities have also been added.
Concessions overhaul with a local focus
The concessions program is a visible early piece of the BOI Upgrade. Phase 1 of the concessions rollout opened with 13 new dining and retail options, featuring a strong mix of local brands and some national names to balance traveler preferences. These changes are being managed by concession partners Delaware North and Paradies Lagardere. New offerings include local-themed retail and food concepts, upgraded seating near dining corridors, a new family restroom area with three private bathrooms and the airport’s first adult changing table, upgraded vending with local products, and a 24-hour self-serve vending booth. Phase 2 will introduce additional swaps and new brands and is already under construction.
Capacity, demand and operations
Passenger demand has driven the program. The airport is largely an origin-and-destination market, and peak periods — early morning and late night — can leave the terminal fully used. On busy days about 9,500 passengers pass through TSA, and current gates are nearly fully utilized at peak times. Officials emphasized that the baggage system and central utility plant must be ready on day one of Concourse A in order for the concourse to operate as intended.
Phasing, flexibility and future considerations
Funding realities mean some projects will be phased. The baggage system may be phased to match available funding, allowing initial gate openings while later capacity is added. Concourse B will receive upgrades after Concourse A is built to avoid taking existing gates offline during peak demand. Officials are working with architects to incorporate local art, amenities and technology so the expanded facilities feel like a home for the Treasure Valley rather than only a transportation hub.
Governance and approvals
The airport selected Hensel Phelps as construction manager/general contractor and planned to seek formal approval from the Boise City Council soon after that selection. The framework allows the airport to move forward on individual projects as revenues and financing are arranged.
FAQ
What is the BOI Upgrade?
The BOI Upgrade is a multi-year capital program to expand and modernize Boise Airport facilities, including baggage, utilities, a new Concourse A, terminal improvements, parking and concessions.
Who will build the work?
Hensel Phelps was selected as the construction manager/general contractor to lead the projects under the BOI Upgrade framework.
How is the work funded?
Projects are funded with airport revenue such as passenger and customer facility charges and bonds. No general fund or property tax dollars will be used for construction.
When will Concourse A be built?
Design is underway and critical enabling projects (baggage system and central utility plant) are scheduled so Concourse A construction can begin in 2027, with completion stretching into 2029 for the concourse phase.
Will the airport remain open during construction?
Yes. The program is being phased so operations can continue; upgrades to Concourse B will wait until after Concourse A is completed to avoid taking active gates offline during peak travel times.
What local features are included?
Concessions and terminal design aim to highlight local brands, art and amenities so travelers experience a strong sense of place tied to Boise and the Treasure Valley.
Key features at a glance
| Feature | What it does | Estimated timing |
|---|---|---|
| Hensel Phelps selection | Construction manager/general contractor for BOI Upgrade | Council approval pending |
| Baggage handling replacement | Moves baggage to new location; replaces aging system | Design and phased build starting 2027 |
| Central utility plant | New heating/cooling/electrical plant for terminal | Starts with baggage relocation, 2027 onward |
| Concourse A | Adds up to 10 gates; phased opening possible (7 + 5) | Construction begins 2027; completes by 2029 |
| CONRAC (rental car center) | Consolidated rental car operations, no shuttle needed | Under construction; expected open 2026 |
| Concessions revamp | Local and national restaurants and retail, Phase 1 opened with 13 options | Phase 1 open; Phase 2 underway with completion later |
| Parking and security upgrades | New long-term parking + employee garage + expanded TSA lane | Completed and in operation |
| Funding | Airport revenue, passenger/customer charges and bonds; no general tax dollars | Ongoing through 2029 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- KTVB: Boise Airport opens new retail & dining options
- Wikipedia: Boise Airport
- BoiseDev: Boise Airport Concourse/Terminal update (Aug 13, 2025)
- Google Search: Boise Airport concourse terminal
- Jacobs: Jacobs selected to support Idaho airport expansion
- Google Scholar: Boise Airport expansion
- Idaho Press / Boise Weekly: Boise Airport expansion continues with first wave of new concessions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boise Airport
- Idaho News: Boise Airport hits record passenger numbers; plans major expansions
- Google News: Boise Airport expansion
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