Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport (OWB) is moving forward with plans to consider building a new terminal. The airport board of directors revealed the plans during Tuesday’s board meeting, expressing a need to modernize the facility to meet growing demands and improve the passenger experience.
The new terminal was part of the airport’s 2020 Master Plan and will not be built on the site of the current terminal but will remain on airport property. Conceptual designs place the terminal across runway 06-24, near Bullfrog Boulevard and Airpark Drive, approximately half a mile from the existing location. This would move the entrance to Carter Road.
“This is the beginning of the process, but developing a concept was essential,” airport director Tristan Durbin said. “We needed to start applying for grants and begin conversations with local officials and business leaders to secure funding.”
OWB is currently conducting the Federal Aviation Administration’s environmental assessment for the project, which could take up to a year. The design phase will follow, taking another 12 months before construction begins.
The total project budget is estimated at $42.8 million. However, officials are exploring a $50 million budget to accommodate potential road expansions and unforeseen construction costs.
Durbin said the new terminal is essential because the existing one is outdated. Built 73 years ago, he said that it has long exceeded the FAA’s recommended 50-year lifespan.
“Infrastructure-wise, the building is in poor shape,” Durbin said. “Over the last two and a half years, we’ve spent over $900,000 on repairs. It wasn’t designed for post-9/11 security needs, and it’s 6,000 to 10,000 square feet too small for today’s demands.”
The new facility aims to provide more efficient service. It features direct access to Taxiway Charlie, enhanced drop-off and pick-up lanes, and improved parking areas with overflow space. Plans include automated toll systems, eliminating the need for passengers to enter the terminal to pay for parking.
While Durbin couldn’t guarantee that the new terminal would attract additional airlines, he noted that an upgraded facility improves the airport’s appeal.
“The airport is the front door to the community. A good first impression makes all the difference,” Durbin said. “It may not guarantee new airlines, but it will definitely help us retain and expand services.”
The 26,500-square-foot design, prepared by Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC), emphasizes local culture. It will blend Owensboro’s historical significance – such as nods to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and the riverfront – with contemporary elements.
During a presentation, GMC architect Steve Jernigan said the goal is to create a state-of-the-art facility designed to last for the next 75 years.
“We want to honor the past while embracing the future,” Jernigan said.
Initial construction plans include two gates – one with a jet bridge – with infrastructure for a second bridge to be added later. The design allows for future expansion, potentially accommodating a third gate and additional baggage claim areas.
The airport expects construction to take two years once it begins, with the goal of opening the new terminal in late 2028.
“We’re trying to move efficiently,” Durbin said, citing funding deadlines tied to the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The next step for the project includes finalizing FAA approvals and securing additional federal and local funding.
“This is an investment in the future of Owensboro,” Durbin said. “We want this terminal to represent the best of what our community has to offer.”
