Long Beach Airport Begins $37M Concourse Modernization for 2028 Olympics

Long Beach Airport (LGB) has officially broken ground on its $37 million Passenger Concourse Enhancement Project, a significant infrastructure initiative aimed at modernizing the post-security passenger experience. The project is strategically timed to be completed well before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where Long Beach will host several events.

The investment focuses on upgrading the airport's existing passenger concourse, which was originally constructed in 2012. The enhancements are designed to improve passenger comfort, operational efficiency, and sustainability, ensuring the airport can handle increased traffic associated with the upcoming Olympic Games and future growth in the Southern California region.

Project Scope and Funding

The total estimated cost for the concourse modernization is $37 million. A substantial portion of this funding, $24 million, comes from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) through its Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program. This grant was authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), a federal law designed to fund critical infrastructure projects across the United States. According to the City of Long Beach, the remaining project costs will be covered by airport revenues, requiring no local tax dollars.

The Long Beach City Council awarded a $28 million construction contract to PCL Construction Services, Inc. to execute the project. Architectural design is being led by the firm PGAL. The city estimates that the construction phase will generate approximately 190 local jobs, contributing to the regional economy.

Passenger Experience and Economic Impact

For travelers, the project promises tangible improvements to the post-security environment. Key upgrades include new seating with more charging stations, renovated restrooms, and modern heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. A significant feature of the redesign is the inclusion of new open-air garden spaces, intended to enhance passenger wellness and maintain the airport's reputation for a relaxed travel experience.

Airport Director Cynthia Guidry stated that the project focuses on "preparing for the future while preserving the comfortable and convenient travel experience that our customers have come to expect." Mayor Rex Richardson emphasized the project as a critical investment for the millions of travelers using LGB, while Congressman Robert Garcia highlighted the economic importance of the federal investment.

The broader Long Beach Airport complex is a significant economic engine, supporting an estimated 42,000 jobs and contributing approximately $9 billion annually to the regional economy, as noted in city reports.

Strategic Timing and Historical Context

This concourse enhancement is the latest step in a multi-phase modernization of LGB. It directly follows the recently completed Phase II Terminal Area Improvements (2020-2024), which focused on pre-security areas like the historic terminal and ticketing lobby at a cost of $125 million. The current project modernizes the very concourse built during the $100 million Phase I modernization in 2012.

The project's timeline is explicitly linked to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. This mirrors a historical pattern where host cities accelerate major infrastructure projects. For example, Salt Lake City International Airport underwent extensive terminal and runway expansions between 1998 and 2001 to prepare for the 2002 Winter Olympics. LGB's push for a Summer 2027 completion ensures it is ready to serve as a key gateway for the global event.

Sustainability is another core component of the project. The enhancements are being built on a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver foundation, with mandates to recycle 95% of construction debris and install energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the concourse.

What Comes Next

With construction now underway, the project is on a clear path toward completion. The key forward-looking milestone is the project's expected completion date.

• Summer 2027: The Passenger Concourse Enhancement Project is expected to be fully completed and operational, according to the City of Long Beach.
• July 2028: The 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games are confirmed to begin, with Long Beach serving as a host city for multiple sporting events.

The phased construction plan is designed to minimize disruptions to passengers traveling through the airport during the upgrade period.

Why This Matters

This development at Long Beach Airport showcases a strategic use of federal infrastructure funding to support local economic growth and prepare for a major international event. The project not only enhances LGB's competitive position within the dense Southern California aviation market but also aligns with industry-wide trends toward improving passenger wellness and environmental sustainability. For the region, it ensures a modern, efficient airport gateway capable of making a positive impression on a global audience during the 2028 Olympics.