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
Boise Airport has named Colorado construction manager Hensel Phelps to oversee a multi‑year upgrade program as the airport handles nearly 5 million passengers and plans for a new concourse, a modern baggage system, utility upgrades, expanded parking and refreshed concessions move forward. The City of Boise approved a contract framework that allows up to $700 million in work through 2029, with no use of general tax dollars for construction.
Topline: scope, timing and funding
The BOI Upgrade program covers several large projects: a new baggage handling system, a central utility plant for heating, cooling and power, up to 10 new gates in a west‑side Concourse A, terminal improvements, and new parking and rental car facilities. A draft timeline shows work on the baggage system, utility plant, Concourse A and terminal updates beginning in 2027, with some work ending in 2028 and larger elements such as the concourse running into 2029.
Why the work is needed
Passenger traffic has grown sharply as Boise has become a regional hub. Over the last decade (2014–2024) passenger counts rose by 81%, and the airport served 4,990,885 passengers in 2024 — nearly 5 million. On busy days about 9,500 passengers pass through TSA, and existing gates are near full use at peak times. The airport functions largely as an origin‑and‑destination market, meaning many travelers begin and end their trips at BOI, which increases peak loads early in the morning and late at night.
Major projects and their order
Airport officials have prioritized systems that must be ready before Concourse A opens. The baggage handling system will be relocated to a new area across the rotunda so the current baggage zone can be converted into the central utility plant. The central plant and baggage system are considered critical to opening Concourse A and must be operational on day one. Because of funding and complexity, the baggage system work may be done in phases, with an initial set of seven gates opening first and up to five more in a later phase.
What’s already finished or under way
Several upgrades are complete: an expanded TSA security checkpoint, a new parking exit plaza, more than 1,100 long‑term parking spaces, an employee garage, and a relocated cell phone lot. Construction is currently underway on the consolidated rent‑a‑car facility (CONRAC), expected to open in 2026, which will remove the need for shuttle buses. The CONRAC project also enables future aircraft apron space where current rental car operations sit.
Concessions and customer experience
As part of the BOI Upgrade, the airport rolled out a new mix of restaurants and shops in a two‑phase plan. Phase 1 opened to travelers in August 2025 and includes 13 new dining and retail options featuring mostly local brands along with some national names to serve varied traveler preferences. Improvements include larger seating at surviving restaurants, new bars, a family restroom area with private bathrooms and the airport’s first adult changing table, upgraded vending with local products, and a 24‑hour self‑serve booth. Phase 2 will complete the concessions refresh with a number of additional changes and replacements.
Financial and operational framework
The Hensel Phelps framework lets the airport commission projects as funds become available. Construction will be paid entirely from airport revenue streams, including passenger and customer facility charges and bonds. Work under this plan will not use Boise’s general fund or property tax revenue.
Design goals and next steps
Designers are working to make the upgraded terminal feel like an extension of the city, adding local art, amenities and technology to give travelers a sense of place and a more “hotel‑type” flow rather than a purely transportation look. The airport plans to ask the city council for formal approval of Hensel Phelps next month. Once baggage and central utility work are underway, construction on Concourse A will follow.
What to expect for travelers
Over the coming years travelers can expect smoother baggage claim operations, more gates and flight options, larger parking capacity, an easier rental car experience with no shuttle required, and more dining and shopping that showcases the region. Completion of the full program is expected in 2029, after which attention will shift to a phased overhaul of the older Concourse B.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall cost and who pays for it?
The City authorized a contract framework allowing up to $700 million in projects through 2029. Work will be funded through airport revenue, passenger and customer charges, and bonds. No general tax dollars or property taxes will be used for construction.
Who will run the construction?
A construction manager/general contractor has been selected to lead the work, with formal council approval planned soon.
When will construction on Concourse A begin?
Major system work starts in 2027, with Concourse A construction expected to begin after critical baggage and utility upgrades are underway. The full program is planned to finish by 2029.
How many new gates will the airport get?
Concourse A is planned to add up to 10 gates. A phased build could open seven gates first and add five later as funding and demand allow.
Will parking and rental car service change?
New parking garages have already added about 1,100 long‑term spaces. A consolidated rent‑a‑car center (CONRAC) is under construction and expected to open in 2026 to eliminate shuttle buses and free space for aircraft parking.
What changes are coming to food and shops?
A two‑phase concessions revamp introduced more local brands and some national names. Phase 1 opened with new restaurants, bars and retail. Phase 2 will finish the rollout later this year and add more familiar options.
Key features at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Selected contractor | Construction manager/general contractor selected to lead BOI Upgrade |
| Funding | Airport revenue, passenger/customer charges, and bonds; no general tax dollars |
| Projected cost cap | Up to $700 million through 2029 (contract framework) |
| Major projects | New baggage system, central utility plant, Concourse A (up to 10 gates), terminal upgrades, CONRAC, parking |
| Concessions | Two‑phase rollout; Phase 1 opened with 13 new options focused on local brands and some national names |
| Timeline | Systems start 2027; some projects end 2028; major elements complete by 2029 |
| Passenger growth | 81% increase from 2014–2024; 4,990,885 passengers in 2024 |
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
Author: Construction TX News
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