Click here for an image gallery of the groundbreaking event held on Thursday, November 7, 2024.
Today the Louisville Regional Airport Authority celebrated the start of the security checkpoint expansion project at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) with a formal groundbreaking ceremony. This project marks the largest change to the Jerry E. Abramson Terminal in more than 35 years.
“Today’s celebration is an exciting milestone in SDF’s history as we’re enhancing our facilities for the future,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority. “The new security checkpoint will be a significant improvement for travelers that follows multiple record-setting years for passenger traffic. Thanks to increased air service and community support, we have outgrown our current security checkpoint. I am confident we’re addressing this need today by making crucial improvements aimed at continuing to provide a best-in-class experience at SDF.”
This $45 million investment will see the construction of a 30,000 square foot addition on the terminal’s west side. It will feature up to 10 screening lanes, complete with state-of-the-art equipment and a breach control exit lane. This will increase screening capacity by more than 60% compared to its current six-lane configuration and doubles the screening capabilities of what was in place less than two years ago. Today’s celebration follows last year that saw SDF set another record for its busiest year ever as well as being the fastest growing airport of the top 100 airports in the continental U.S. Since 2018, SDF has celebrated four of its top five busiest years to date, with additional growth expected to continue. 
This project will receive more than $31 million in federal funding including
$7.5 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Airport Terminal Program that was established in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in 2021, which U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) lead through the Senate for its passage. An additional $21.64 million will be provided through the FAA’s Airport Infrastructure Grant fund as part of the IIJA, or commonly referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, supported by both Senator McConnell and U.S. Representative Morgan McGarvey (KY-03).
“Every day Kentuckians rely on this airport. Whether it’s connecting our people with the rest of the country, moving the goods that fuel interstate commerce or bringing in millions of travelers who come for the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and countless other attractions that make up our billion-dollar tourism economy. As one of the few congressional leaders not from New York or California, I see it as my responsibility to make sure Kentuckians’ priorities are heard in Washington. I’ve been proud to collaborate with my colleagues to provide federal funds for this project and others at SDF over the years. Of course, none of this would be possible without the vision and dedication of Dan and the entire Board at SDF. They have put in a lot of hard work to upgrade facilities and ramp up operations at the airport, and I look forward to partnering with them as SDF continues to grow in the future,” said Senator McConnell.
“Whether it’s contributing to our economic development or just making it easier to travel, a well-functioning airport benefits all of us,” said Congressman McGarvey. “Our airport is a powerhouse not just for Louisville, but for our entire region—I’m proud to have supported this federal investment, and I look forward to seeing the impact these urgently-needed improvements will have on the future of SDF.”
In addition to the federal support, the Kentucky General Assembly has also allocated $5 million towards this project through House Bill 1, championed by Senator Julie Raque Adams (R-Louisville), Senate majority caucus chair and Representative Jason Nemes (KY-33), House majority whip.
“Today’s groundbreaking marks a significant investment in the future of the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport and the travelers it serves,” said Senator Adams. “I’m pleased to see state dollars at work to enhance this critical infrastructure, making travel safer, more efficient and more accessible for everyone. It’s an honor to celebrate alongside influential Louisville leaders whose support and collaboration have made this expansion possible. This project embodies the shared commitment of the General Assembly and our community to reinforcing our city’s role as Kentucky’s economic engine.”
“Today we celebrated the power of collaboration and commitment to our community. If Louisville is the economic engine of our Commonwealth, this airport is its fuel. Through its gates walk folks traveling here for work and play, as well as those who will build a new life here. It was a privilege to work on this project and I appreciate the men and women involved in making it possible and look forward to watching this project become reality,” said Congressman Nemes.
Designed by Alliiance of Minneapolis, MN and CMTA, a Legence Company of Louisville, KY, the new facility features multiple elements to reduce energy use and provide a more comfortable experience for passengers as well as working TSA staff. Smart glass on the large curtain wall will be programmed to reduce glare and solar heat while keeping visibility to the exterior while other elements will be used to increase the effectiveness of the daylight and save on thermal energy use. Plus, rooftop photovoltaic, or solar panels, will be installed on site, generating solar energy for use. Indoor air quality will also be considered by using special vents to lessen dust and other particulates while intaking fresh air immediately to the area where most people gather.
In 2023, TSA screened more than 2.58 million individuals at SDF, which includes passengers and airport personnel who needed access post-security.
“TSA is proud of our strong local partnerships and shared focus to improve security and the overall experience for SDF travelers,” said Ray Williams, TSA Federal Security Director for Kentucky. “The expansion of the checkpoint allows us the ability to add new equipment and screening lanes to better keep up with the steady passenger growth.”
Construction on the security checkpoint expansion at SDF will begin in the coming weeks with the new space expected to be fully operational by late 2026. Work will be completed by Abel Construction of Louisville, KY.
This project is part of the SDF Next Program that was launched in late 2019. This capital improvement effort will see upwards of $500 million invested in the terminal, with already completed projects totaling nearly $130 million. Such efforts are aimed at providing a first-class experience for airport users, including the thousands of visitors who are welcomed at SDF every year.
“The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport is one of the economic engines of our community. With more flights out of Louisville and more people flying through our airport than ever before, this increased security checkpoint will keep pace with demand and allow for expansion in the future. This is truly a welcome addition to our community, and we appreciate all the partners at the federal, state and local level who helped make this possible,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg.
