RAPID CITY, S.D. – Travelers flying through Rapid City Regional Airport will notice some major changes as part of an ongoing $80 million terminal expansion project.
Airport officials have opened new airline ticket counters and an upgraded baggage handling system on the east side of the terminal. The new system replaces the airport’s older check-in setup and routes all checked luggage to a centralized screening area, improving efficiency and passenger flow.
Airport Executive Director Patrick Dame says the improvements are designed to accommodate future growth while enhancing safety for baggage handlers and making the check-in process smoother for travelers.
The next phase of construction will involve demolishing the old ticket counter area and creating a larger, more open ticket hall. Officials say passengers should allow extra time at the airport as traffic patterns and terminal access points continue to shift during construction.
The expansion project has been in planning for nearly a decade and is intended to support increasing passenger numbers. Phase One is expected to be completed next May, while Phase Two will add five new gates capable of serving larger aircraft and easing congestion in gate waiting areas.
Airport leaders say future improvements could also include expanded parking options and a possible parking garage as Rapid City Regional Airport continues to grow.
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