Spokane International Airport construction: What travelers need to know before the holidays

SPOKANE, Wash. — Holiday travelers flying out of or picking up loved ones at Spokane International Airport should leave extra time this season. A large section of the main terminal curbside is now closed to drivers and pedestrians as part of a multi-year expansion.

Travelers who park must use sky bridges to reach the terminal. Follow the signs that explain the new parking arrangements. Drivers dropping off or picking up passengers should expect a tighter pickup zone.

Sean Scanlan, the airport’s traffic director, offered a clear recommendation for holiday travelers. “With the increased construction and the reduced curb, two hours early please.”

The curbside closures are part of a larger construction effort. The airport is adding more parking, building a new baggage claim area in Concourse C and adding more stores.

Those pieces are scheduled to be complete by May 2027. They are part of a bigger project to expand the main terminal and consolidate security screening into one central TSA checkpoint. That full project has an end date of 2030.

Dave Harring, the airport’s CEO, said the single checkpoint will simplify the trip for passengers. “I think the biggest thing is that you only have one place to go. You’re not really having to look at your ticket to see am I going out of C, am I going out of A/B. You’re always going to go to one location.”

Harring said the changes justify the long construction period however; some local drivers are less enthusiastic about the next four years of disruption.

Trigger Weddle, who picked up a friend at the airport on Friday, said she is not a fan of the project but sees no alternative. “Not a fan…not a fan. But, we don’t have a choice.”

Weddle said the pickup was harder than expected. “Our friend had already gotten off her plane, collected her bags and everything by the time we found a place to park, so that was a little bit of a challenge.”

Travelers should arrive early, especially for holiday departures. Plan ahead for parking and allow time to reach the terminal by sky bridge. Leave extra time for pickups and drop-offs because of the reduced curb space. Follow traffic directors’ instructions and posted signs for your safety.

Construction is expected to continue until 2030. Check the airport’s website and signage before your trip for the latest updates on parking and curbside access.