Dive Brief:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport officials have released a computer animation of a portion of the airport’s $6 billion, 20-year renovation project, according to the Associated Press.
• Major changes to the airport include large canopies over traffic lanes and sidewalks, interior updates at the domestic terminal and concourses, a sixth runway, a 400-room hotel and the increased use of natural light at ticketing and check-in areas. Concourse work is expected to begin this year, with major work stating in 2017.
• The airport’s capital plan spans 20 years and encompasses a variety of projects, including the new $393 million domestic terminal expected to be complete in 2018 and the $943 million sixth runway finished by 2034. Atlanta's airport is the busiest in the world, processing 101.5 million passengers last year, according to the AP.

Dive Insight:

Airport officials said their "top priority" this year includes trying to shorten passenger wait times as they go through security screenings. Miguel Southwell, airport general manager, told the AP that abnormally long wait times, when compared to other U.S. and international airports, is hurting airport business.

There are several massive airport construction projects underway in the U.S. The New Orleans Aviation Board announced in December its approval for an $807 million terminal replacement at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, and construction is underway. Hunt-Gibbs-Boh-Metro has a $598 million contract to complete the construction, which is being financed by general airport revenue bonds, government grants and capital funds.

Also undergoing a major overhaul is New York City’s La Guardia Airport, which is replacing a terminal in a $4.2 billion undertaking. In addition to a new terminal, the project will also provide a bigger security screening area, retail space and possibly a hotel.