Heads up! Those traveling out of the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) should expect to see changes as the airport moves forward with a major construction project.
Recently, the airport began phase one improvements to the security checkpoint.
Phase one work includes the relocation of current lanes for both TSA PreCheck and general screening. These lanes are now located in the former retail areas previously occupied by Brooks Brothers and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail stores on the ticketing level.
As part of the security checkpoint expansion project, Brooks Brothers and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail stores have permanently closed.
The construction is part of the SDF Next Program, a multi-year, $400 million investment to upgrade the Jerry E. Abramson Terminal.
During work on phase one, the temporary queue lines for both TSA PreCheck and general screening will each be reduced to a single-file line reaching beyond the TODAY Store and down the west hall, behind the American, United, Allegiant and Spirit Airlines ticket counters.
Airport leaders want travelers to know this could result in the appearance of longer-than-normal lines with extended wait times. However, the same number of passengers will continue to be screened during construction.
“This project is step one in expanding our security checkpoint at SDF,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority. “It’s important to note, because of the limitations with the terminal’s physical space, while this work is happening the temporary line for the checkpoint will go past the TODAY Store and into the west hall. It does not necessarily mean the wait times for security screening are any longer, but some passengers may have that perception, especially if they do not know about construction. The number of passengers TSA screens will not change because of this work.”
All phase one work is anticipated to be completed in early April.
Final design approvals for the new security checkpoint facility are expected in the coming months, with work beginning in late 2024. This follows changes made this summer by SDF staff and TSA to expand the checkpoint from five to seven lanes – a 40% increase in screening capabilities during peak travel periods.
“This is another part of the process as we continue investing in a better passenger experience at SDF,” added Mann. “Just as it’s been with other major SDF Next Projects from installing brand new baggage handling systems in baggage claim, overhauling our rental car facility, utilizing geothermal technology to heat and cool the terminal to upgrading numerous mechanical systems – all this is happening so travelers at SDF have a best-in-class experience.”
Additional changes are coming to the Churchill Downs and Louisville Slugger stores, which will be remodeled in the coming months.
Since the SDF Next Program began, the airport has made upgrades including:
- New restrooms on baggage claim
- New airport operations center
- New elevators, escalators and moving sidewalks
- Parking enhancements
- Covered walkways
- New boarding bridges
Upcoming construction for the SDF Next Program includes exterior improvements to the lower level, upgrades to the ticketing level and possibly a Federal Inspection Station for international travel.
To learn more about the SDF Next Program, visit flylouisville.com/sdf-next.
