Omaha Eppley Airfield - CONSTRUCTION

[djc311]

Awesome! Great milestone for the central pavilion.

I'm excited for the airport expansion. I've always felt we could use a more modernized and larger facility. Even if our international flights simply go to Mexico, at least it's somewhere. I think it's going to be great once it's all said and done!

[zippy]

Did anybody happen to get pictures of the canopy over the driveway after the snow came through?

[Mr.Nuke]

Did anybody happen to get pictures of the canopy over the driveway after the snow came through?

[Brad]

Nice to see the roof completely covered just 4 days after the final beam was installed.

[riceweb]

I'm curious if anyone has any thoughts on canopy with the cooler weather. I went through the other day but it was perfectly still at the time, so I didn't notice any benefit to the canopy? Presumably on a windy day it'll help? And of course on a snowy or rainy day.

[Renovator2559]

It did tamper the temp, when I went at 5am.

[nativeomahan]

Did anybody happen to get pictures of the canopy over the driveway after the snow came through?

We flew in late on the night of December 6 and even from a half mile away coming in on our flight we saw that the canopy was aglow in green and red holiday colors.

[nativeomahan]

It did tamper the temp, when I went at 5am.

Not sure it impacts the temperature but I sure hope that it impacts the harsh winter winds. And needless to say there shouldn’t be much snow on the ground near the terminal entrances.

[NEDodger]

It did tamper the temp, when I went at 5am.

Not sure it impacts the temperature but I sure hope that it impacts the harsh winter winds. And needless to say there shouldn’t be much snow on the ground near the terminal entrances.

I was curious about the wind piece too. Not sure if this inadvertently creates a wind tunnel there that actually worsens it?

[BRoss]

Okay so I missed this last year during the August board meeting agenda

Professional Services Agreement – Corgan Architects – Overhead Walkways/Skywalks

https://www.flyoma.com/wp-content/uploa ... -13-24.pdf

Then I found this, this afternoon as well in an airport bond filing.

Skywalks to Passenger Terminal. Separate from the TMP, but part of the Build OMA program,
are new and rehabilitated skywalks to the terminal building. An important element of the TMP is
relocating ticketing to the second level of theterminal where there is a new consolidated security
screening checkpoint located in the center of the terminal. The two existing skywalks and vertical
circulation provide access from the ground transportation, parking, and rental car areas to the
terminal. An estimated 60% of passengers utilize the existing two skywalks. The Authority plans
to design and construct a new central skywalk and also to improve and rehabilitate the two existing
skywalks to extend their life, modernize the infrastructure, and enhance safety/capacity.This
project has an estimated budget of $21.9 million. The Authority initiated design in October 2024
and anticipates completing design during 2025, at which point the Authority may solicit bids and
authorize construction. Construction will commence thereafter

Eppley just received another $10m grant that will partially go towards the new skywalk, along with a few other things.

U.S. Rep. Don Bacon’s office announced Friday the airport will get $10 million from the Airport Infrastructure Grant, which was established by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, to reconstruct 35,000 square feet of its existing terminal.

The $10 million, according to Bacon’s office, will cover the concourse and security checkpoint, airport gates and international gates “that have reached the end of their useful lives.” The grant will also help cover the construction cost of a pedestrian skywalk that links Eppley’s south garage to the second floor of the terminal.

https://omaha.com/news/local/article_4d ... d30f3.html

[Brad]

Airport Update:

[djc311]

Can't wait for this to be finished - one of the better construction projects taking place at the moment, IMO.

[BuildTaller]

Can't wait for this to be finished - one of the better construction projects taking place at the moment, IMO.

The several year old youtube video on the buildoma website indicates we will be boarding some flights in the new part next year. But it also looks like it will still be two separate terminals until 2028 when the central security area opens. I'm getting excited. Nice to see progress.

[riceweb]

Can't wait for this to be finished - one of the better construction projects taking place at the moment, IMO.

The several year old youtube video on the buildoma website indicates we will be boarding some flights in the new part next year. But it also looks like it will still be two separate terminals until 2028 when the central security area opens. I'm getting excited. Nice to see progress.

Seems like they're going to pretty quickly demo the north terminal? Once the central pavilion opens, I think there's a good chance they immediately or shortly thereafter demo the north terminal.

[djc311]

Based upon how quickly this is moving along, I wouldn't be surprised if it beats the original estimated completion date. It looks like a lot of the new infrastructure is up. If that leaves mostly interior finishing, that's not as prone to delays due to environment issues.

[Mr.Nuke]

The several year old youtube video on the buildoma website indicates we will be boarding some flights in the new part next year. But it also looks like it will still be two separate terminals until 2028 when the central security area opens.

I'm not sure how you are getting that from the video or otherwise...

-The video on the Build OMA website says they were targeting Mid 2027 for the central concourse/unified security opening.

-The 04/24, concessions RFP meeting indicated tenants would have access to the Central pavilion in and North concourse September of this year with Central Pavillion and North terminal operations commencing 03/2027, then South improvements June through September

-The 5/20/25 RFP meeting for the common use lounge (a year + after the concessions) "the date on which the Central Pavilion opens for business to the public, which is expected to be on or about November/December 2026"

---
So if they're "on schedule" from about 8 months ago, the Central pavilion i.e. "new terminal" is open by the end of the year, and again I've seen nothing to indicate two separate terminals after that point. Everything is slated to be completely finished in 2028 including the North side and FIS.

Seems like they're going to pretty quickly demo the north terminal? Once the central pavilion opens, I think there's a good chance they immediately or shortly thereafter demo the north terminal.

I haven't flown out of the South concourse at all during construction so I have no idea what is going on at that side. But, it wouldn't surprise me if the North concourse sticks around a couple of months while the South concourse is rehabbed to get it up to the new terminal design. The initial plan for the food concessions makes it look like to me that they're going to do some or most of that work after the central terminal opens.

Based upon how quickly this is moving along, I wouldn't be surprised if it beats the original estimated completion date. It looks like a lot of the new infrastructure is up. If that leaves mostly interior finishing, that's not as prone to delays due to environment issues.

As you can see from the timeline above, things seem to be getting moved up any time there is an updated date.

[riceweb]

I haven't flown out of the South concourse at all during construction so I have no idea what is going on at that side. But, it wouldn't surprise me if the North concourse sticks around a couple of months while the South concourse is rehabbed to get it up to the new terminal design. The initial plan for the food concessions makes it look like to me that they're going to do some or most of that work after the central terminal opens.

Oh for sure, I suspect the same, but I do think that'll be a very quick cutover because they won't wait to start updating the south terminal. Just like how the north terminal hasn't basically had ceiling tiles for months now, the south terminal will probably start to get some non-disruptive updates pretty quick (assuming they haven't started already).

I don't think the airlines necessarily want to change their gate assignments times throughout this process. So I don't think they'll move from the south gates to the new middle gates only to later move back to the south gates post-renovation? I think they'll figure out a way to phase that work in and keep the south terminal operating.

[Brad]

Just like how the north terminal hasn't basically had ceiling tiles for months now.

Why did they remove the ceiling tiles if they are going to demolish the north terminal when the new part is done?

[BuildTaller]

The several year old youtube video on the buildoma website indicates we will be boarding some flights in the new part next year. But it also looks like it will still be two separate terminals until 2028 when the central security area opens.

I'm not sure how you are getting that from the video or otherwise...

It starts at the 55 second mark. It's an old video that was published as a rough guide.

[Mr.Nuke]

I don't think the airlines necessarily want to change their gate assignments times throughout this process.

Probably not, but everyone already had to play musical chairs right before this started with the new gate area concrete.

So I don't think they'll move from the south gates to the new middle gates only to later move back to the south gates post-renovation? I think they'll figure out a way to phase that work in and keep the south terminal operating.

It will be interesting to see how they do it, but I'm not sure they can get away without shifting some gates around, again kind of like the concrete work prior to the terminal project kicking off.

Prior to construction the airport was obviously at 20 gates. Two of the 20 would be unoccupied as Sun Country left and there was one open gate. In the above photo there are 19 gates in the current construction configuration. If the drawings we have are accurate, when the existing North terminal gets demolished the airport will be at ~16 gates until the "new North" extension opens up.

From the get go you are down three to four gates for awhile. Something operationally probably has to give there regardless. A simple solution is you are getting about 7 gates in the new linear terminal and that basically covers United and Southwest for now. Allegiant could theoretically share a common use gate with Frontier with some scheduling coordination (both carriers are common-use currently despite having dedicated gates). But if I'm right that they can't actually convert the South terminal to the new design while keeping 100% of the gates open i.e. if they're working in a gate area it is likely out of use, there is going to have to be some shuffling.

That is why in the absence of other information I'm also kind of wondering how quickly the North terminal comes down. Obviously it will happen pretty soon after the linear terminal opens as you could theoretically vacate the gates immediately. But if you left it up or partially up you would have gate space to say move American temporarily and refurbish the far end of the South terminal completely right off the bat, etc.

All we have to go on there though is the concessions timeline from a couple of years ago and it indicates the South work is likely staggered. The spot where the Mill is going to be wasn't slated to open until 2028.

It starts at the 55 second mark. It's an old video that was published as a rough guide.

That is also the video I'm referring to above. Quote from said video: "We reach a program milestone in Mid-2027, with the opening of the central pavilion and the new unifed concourse. Travels can now experience the new central TSA checkpoint, new ticketing, and baggage claim areas, and many of the new dining and retail options beyond security."

Hence me asking where you are getting "But it also looks like it will still be two separate terminals until 2028 when the central security area opens. " from? And again like I said in my post the concessions RFP and the lounge RFP (the most recent date we have) are more aggressive yet.

[riceweb]

Prior to construction the airport was obviously at 20 gates. Two of the 20 would be unoccupied as Sun Country left and there was one open gate. In the above photo there are 19 gates in the current construction configuration. If the drawings we have are accurate, when the existing North terminal gets demolished the airport will be at ~16 gates until the "new North" extension opens up.

Great catch. Agreed they'll be doing lots of shuffling in the interim. This is where we'll see some airport politics presumably to see who gets "squeezed" by the temporary downshifting

[BuildTaller]

That is also the video I'm referring to above. Quote from said video: "We reach a program milestone in Mid-2027, with the opening of the central pavilion and the new unifed concourse

Sorry, no sound on my work computer. I'll have to rewatch it with sound.

[nativeomahan]

Just like how the north terminal hasn't basically had ceiling tiles for months now.

Why did they remove the ceiling tiles if they are going to demolish the north terminal when the new part is done?

They haven’t.

[windsor]

This is looking so good. I wish I had a flight coming up so I could see it in person.

[Mr.Nuke]

[Brad]

Call me greedy, but I was hoping the inside was just a little further along. In that photo, its just steel. No electrical, HVAC, or Fire Sprinkler started yet.

[djc311]

Ooooh, are they going to put in one of those moving sidewalks???

[Louie]

Ooooh, are they going to put in one of those moving sidewalks???

I was wondering about that. Seems like the overall length north to south could make it worthwhile.

[Mr.Nuke]

Call me greedy, but I was hoping the inside was just a little further along. In that photo, its just steel. No electrical, HVAC, or Fire Sprinkler started yet.

It would be nice to get an updated timeline but as a non construction person, I don't see anything in that photo that wouldn't indicate an opening at some point this year i.e. I can't imagine the internals be it finishes, HVAC/electrical taking that long if the structure is actually enclosed but who knows... *Especially when the tenant timeline has seemingly been bumped up on the RFPs. I'd also be curious to see how much is done beyond that photo too. It looks like there are materials either flooring or ceiling at the far end. Are they working backwards?

Ooooh, are they going to put in one of those moving sidewalks???

No....?

I was wondering about that. Seems like the overall length north to south could make it worthwhile.

Who is going to walk from the North to the South? It isn't a hub airport for connections. The entire thing as envisioned now and presumably for the next 30 or so plus years is you walk in clear security and are at worst half way to your gate i.e. a centralized terminal and security...

[CrankyOldDude]

Who is going to walk from the North to the South? It isn't a hub airport for connections. The entire thing as envisioned now and presumably for the next 30 or so plus years is you walk in clear security and are at worst half way to your gate i.e. a centralized terminal and security...

Silly. You fly in from one of OMA's international flights & connect to your final destination. And don't bother me with the fact that international arrivals have to clear customs in the main terminal. #movingsidewalks #nohowaboutanexpresstramlikedtw

[nebport5]

Call me greedy, but I was hoping the inside was just a little further along. In that photo, its just steel. No electrical, HVAC, or Fire Sprinkler started yet.

It would be nice to get an updated timeline but as a non construction person, I don't see anything in that photo that wouldn't indicate an opening at some point this year i.e. I can't imagine the internals be it finishes, HVAC/electrical taking that long if the structure is actually enclosed but who knows... *Especially when the tenant timeline has seemingly been bumped up on the RFPs. I'd also be curious to see how much is done beyond that photo too. It looks like there are materials either flooring or ceiling at the far end. Are they working backwards?

Ooooh, are they going to put in one of those moving sidewalks???

No....?

I was wondering about that. Seems like the overall length north to south could make it worthwhile.

Who is going to walk from the North to the South? It isn't a hub airport for connections. The entire thing as envisioned now and presumably for the next 30 or so plus years is you walk in clear security and are at worst half way to your gate i.e. a centralized terminal and security...

Presumedly only people that are lost or that have changed their flight.

However, I do suspect there will be a fair amount of people that will wonder back and forth examining the new food options and evaluating potential waits times when it's busy.


I can also image that for most people post security nobody should have to walk more than 10 gates which may make the added cost hard to justify. Also there are a number of airports that have moved away from the moving walk ways because simply put airports are businesses and the more time you spend in the airport the more travelers will spend.

[djc311]

Call me greedy, but I was hoping the inside was just a little further along. In that photo, its just steel. No electrical, HVAC, or Fire Sprinkler started yet.

It would be nice to get an updated timeline but as a non construction person, I don't see anything in that photo that wouldn't indicate an opening at some point this year i.e. I can't imagine the internals be it finishes, HVAC/electrical taking that long if the structure is actually enclosed but who knows... *Especially when the tenant timeline has seemingly been bumped up on the RFPs. I'd also be curious to see how much is done beyond that photo too. It looks like there are materials either flooring or ceiling at the far end. Are they working backwards?

Ooooh, are they going to put in one of those moving sidewalks???

No....?

I was wondering about that. Seems like the overall length north to south could make it worthwhile.

Who is going to walk from the North to the South? It isn't a hub airport for connections. The entire thing as envisioned now and presumably for the next 30 or so plus years is you walk in clear security and are at worst half way to your gate i.e. a centralized terminal and security...

Presumedly only people that are lost or that have changed their flight.

However, I do suspect there will be a fair amount of people that will wonder back and forth examining the new food options and evaluating potential waits times when it's busy.


I can also image that for most people post security nobody should have to walk more than 10 gates which may make the added cost hard to justify. Also there are a number of airports that have moved away from the moving walk ways because simply put airports are businesses and the more time you spend in the airport the more travelers will spend.

Seems to make sense - force Joe Consumer to SPEND while in Omaha.

[Mr.Nuke]

[thenewguy]

i can't wait for other food options at eppley besides the hangar in the north terminal. It's fine and all, but having access to all options when the terminal is complete will be great

[Louie]

i can't wait for other food options at eppley besides the hangar in the north terminal. It's fine and all, but having access to all options when the terminal is complete will be great

It would have been an improvement just to have north and south be connected directly.

[joleo]

Ooooh, are they going to put in one of those moving sidewalks???

I was wondering about that. Seems like the overall length north to south could make it worthwhile.

Honestly, how long will the walk be from the far end to the other far end? Measuring, it will be about 1,500ft or so. At a 20 min per mile pace which isn't very fast, that would be aout 5.5 minutes of walking. Zero need for moving sidewalks. Not to mention there will be zero passenger walking from one end to the other unless they are wanting to kill time/ exercise. The few passengers that do connect won't go very far because all Southwest gates will be close to each other etc.

[joleo]

Omaha looks like it is in nearly identical construction schedule to Omaha from visual observation of both. They have updated the opening date for DSM several times, seems to be moving up and slated to open in November. Wonder if OMA and DSM are having a silent competition on who will open the first phase 1st? I know DSM they have been working on the weekends because I've seen them, not sure if that is happening in Omaha or not.

[WiinterU]

Omaha and Des Moines compete, but Sioux City has to bow down because it has a horrible airport code.

[CrankyOldDude]

There are quite a few differences between OMA & DSM.

First, OMA had the financial ability to finance its project. DSM had to resort to some gimmicks to finance theirs and couldn't finance the whole thing. They begged for cash from suburbs and more.

Second, while DSM is adding to its numbers an average day has low to mid 40 flights outbound. Not exactly screaming for more gates. What they were lacking was hold room space. Yes, the terminal was ancient but with I think now (I've read either 18 or 22 gates so I don't know how many) the majority will be used once or twice a day. OMA runs between mid 60 to over 70 outbound flights per day.

As I said, DSM's terminal was ancient and OMA's was from the 80s. OMA will now have about 650,000 square feet compared to the new DSM construction including about 360,000 square feet. OMA had about 5 1/4 million pax last year while DSM had about 3 1/4 million.

Allegiant helped but the fact is that Allegiant has at most seven outbound flights a day and some days three or four. Southwest isn't growing in DSM while it has over 20 outbound flights a day in OMA.

So do they compete? Kind of. When both terminals open we'll see which one was more necessary. OMA will have quite a bit better F&B offerings, a lounge and an international area. DSM doesn't look like F&B will be as impressive, no lounge and while the name has the word international in it I don't see international flight processing facilities in the new terminal.

Don't get me wrong. I have nothing against DSM and while I don't fly there nearly as much as in the past a new terminal doesn't bother me at all.

[BRoss]

Omaha looks like it is in nearly identical construction schedule to Omaha from visual observation of both.

I would sure hope so


Speaking of schedule, Grow Omaha posted that construction has now hit the halfway point. Some other interesting things mentioned:

• The number of elevators will be quadrupled.
• The number of escalators will be tripled.
• On top of the new third skywalk, the existing skywalks will also be totally renovated with new glass and design elements to match the upgraded terminal.