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A New Era of Travel in the Quad Cities

As the Quad Cities hometown airport and gateway to the world, we’re reimagining and redesigning our airport over the next several years to create a world-class travel experience, placing efficiency, comfort and convenience at the center. Known as Project GATEWAY, this comprehensive plan for major terminal renovations achieves a long-term vision while also improving little details with various short-term projects aiming to create a family-friendly airport and to continue to be the most convenient airport for our region.

Watch the virtual walkthrough to see a comprehensive look at how Project GATEWAY is transforming air travel for the Quad Cities.

Transforming regional air travel

With phase one of Project GATEWAY completed, all airline ticket counters are located along a modern, sleek ticketing lobby, allowing for a seamless, more convenient experience. Phase two construction has begun and includes replacing the brown brick floor with terrazzo, updating the restrooms for better accessibility and adding nursing mothers suites, relocating the public meeting space, and creating an indoor/outdoor observation space open to the public.

Project GATEWAY milestones

April 2026
Phase 2 Groundbreaking

In celebration alongside our community and construction partners, the QC Airport hosted a brick-breaking ceremony to officially launch the next phase of construction, marking the beginning of the next phase of major infrastructure overhaul including the replacement of the brown brick floor.

February 2026
Airport Names SkyDine as New Concessionaire
February 2026
Estes Construction Named Construction Manager at Risk
July 2025
Phase 2 Design Completion
March 2025
Phase 1 Ribbon Cutting

This marks a significant milestone celebrating the completion of the first phase.

Read more here

August 2024
Topping Out Ceremony
April 2024
Phase 1

Work begins to build new baggage screening facility and modernize ticket counters.

 

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2022-2023
Designing for the Future

Prioritization of projects and meeting with TSA and airline partners to move through schematic design of new ticketing counters, work spaces, breakrooms and offices.

December 2021
Assembling the Team

Selection of Construction Manager at Risk to oversee project and focus on safety and minimal disruptions to the passenger experience. Learn more about Mortenson.

 

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September 2021
Enhancing Efficiency

Installed more than 4,500 solar panels to supply 50 percent of the airport’s annual energy consumption at no cost to the airport.

 

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March 2021
Sharing the Vision

Unveiled plans for $20-40+ million major terminal renovation including the landside terminal, ticketing and baggage claim.

 

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June 2020
Enhancing Communication

Selection of marketing partner to update website and airport brand.

 

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January 2020
Strategic Planning

Selection of architecture firm to design and implement several improvements, both cosmetic and functional. Learn more about Minneapolis-based Alliiance.

 

Read more here

FAQs about QC Airport’s Project GATEWAY and renovation plans

Project GATEWAY is the name of the Quad Cities International Airport’s construction master program that will transform the pre-security side (landside). Work begins spring of 2024.

Project GATEWAY includes multiple projects that will take several years to be fully executed. Phase one is completed, and phase two began in April 2026.

No. The airport has not raised its tax levy to help fund this project. We will use a combination of federal grants, capital and debt services if needed to fund this project.

The landside of the airport was last updated in 1985 – prior to the creation of TSA, rollaboard suitcases and the Americans with Disabilities Act. After nearly 40 years, the building has reached the end of its useful life and the best time is now to reinvest in our infrastructure!

No. Renovating the terminal does not take away from any efforts to advocate for increased air service to and from the Quad Cities. Airlines understand that most airports in the U.S. have active construction projects.

No. The Quad Cities International Airport has communicated that rates and charges to our airline partners will not increase to fund this project. While other factors out of our control may cause air travel prices to increase or decrease, Project GATEWAY will not be a factor.

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