Authorities at the Appleton International Airport have embarked on a US$66 million expansion project. The project is expected to double the capacity of the growing airport. Currently, the Wisconsin airport is nearing 950,000 arrivals and departures this year, a number that is projected to increase in the coming years.
The project involves the expansion of the terminal which will include expanding the total number of gates to 10. Additionally, there will be a connector between the new gates and the gates already existing. There will be expanded areas for passenger boarding coupled with a variety of seating options. A Biergarten will be introduced with an additional bar/restaurant in the gate area. This space will be available for ticketed passengers.
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Ramps will be available throughout the airport for all people regardless of ability. Authorities have noted that there will be expanded restroom facilities and a sensory support room. A quiet room and a service animal relief area will also be introduced all in an effort to increase passenger comfort.
More on the Appleton International Airport expansion project
Later in the future, the airport also plans to expand the baggage claim and ticketing areas. There is also talk of refreshing the existing concourse areas at the Appleton International Airport. According to official records, the airport has an economic impact of approximately US$700 million each year. They are confident that this expansion will boost this to over one billion dollars excluding secondary impacts such as car rentals.
“If you go back to 2016, you’ve seen us grow at double-digit percentage every single year,” Airport Director Abe Weber said. “That’s really been the need for this concourse expansion. Larger aircraft, nine new nonstop routes. We’ve added American Airlines and we’ve really elevated Allegiant to a base of operation. Expanded gate space, and more boarding bridges to service larger and more aircraft. We’re revamping our concessions programs with new restaurants and gift shops. Plus spaces like refreshed restrooms and certain service animal relief areas.”
