The latest in a series of federal grants could help Billings increase its number of flights and attract new airlines.
Billings Logan International Airport began construction of its new terminal earlier this month.
The project will increase the airport’s five gates to eight. Chamber of Commerce CEO John Brewer says that could provide more flight options through existing airlines and open up flights to major destinations, like Billings did in 2017 when it established direct flights to Dallas.
Brewer also says the four extra terminals could help Billings appeal to airlines that don’t yet serve the city.
“And for us to then have that capacity at the gate to have the ability to knock on their door now gives us the chance to be in the game," Brewer says.
He says that could further support tourism in Billings.
The city markets itself as “Montana’s Trailhead,” a jumping off point into other areas. The airport estimates it’ll take roughly $55 million dollars to complete the expansion.
This week it was awarded another $2 million dollars in funds from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Airport director Kevin Ploehn says they’re still on phase one of five in the terminal expansion, with construction expected to wrap up in 2023.
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