Bradley International Airport is expecting to debut new terminal space and a more efficient baggage screening process later this year.
The $260 million building project, which has been ongoing over the last two years, should be finished in phases between May and the end of the year, according to Connecticut Airport Authority Executive Director Michael Shea.
“We’re very excited about the projects,” he said. “Overall they’re really going to enhance the passenger flow through the terminal and make the journey easier and quicker.”
The improvements include a new building where checked baggage will be screened, freeing up space in the ticketing area of the terminal, and improving the efficiency of baggage handling.
“Baggage screening is very different than it was pre-9/11, and our terminal was designed before 9/11,” Shea said. “It will relieve the pressure on TSA staff as well.”
The projects overall will add around 100,000 square feet of space to the terminal, and will change the flow of passenger movement, creating new escalators and stairwells down to baggage claim and adding two new security screening lanes for departing passengers.
It will also add three new departure gates.
“We’ve got 12 different passenger airlines now so gates are in demand. Adding three will be very welcomed by our airline partners,” Shea said.
The projects are supported by $186 million in Federal Aviation Administration grants and funding programs.
Meanwhile the airport, which grew its passenger count by 6.5% in 2024, is gearing up for a busy period during April vacation. It’s forecasting that between April 9 and 20, more than 121,000 people will depart from BDL.
During last April’s vacation season, the airport projected 125,000 people would depart from Bradley, between April 3 and 14, 2024.
It’s advising travelers to arrive early to allow time for parking and security screening. Passengers can check parking availability before arriving, via the airport’s website.
The CAA is also reminding passengers about the upcoming deadline to use REAL ID. Beginning May 7, 2025, passengers flying domestically who use a driver’s license or state-issued ID must make sure it is compliant with new regulations.
Valid ID cards now have a star in the upper right-hand corner.