The Quad Cities International Airport held a groundbreaking Wednesday, April 29, for the $19-million Phase 2 of its Project GATEWAY.
The work will take approximately 18 months to complete and will encompass nearly every space travelers encounter from the front entrance up to the security checkpoint entrance.
This phase reimagines the airport’s interior with upgraded finishes, enhanced amenities and a more intuitive, comfortable travel experience, according to a Wednesday airport release.
Improvements include new lounge and seating areas, expanded restrooms designed to exceed ADA standards, nursing mothers’ suites, companion care restrooms and a new water feature. Restrooms will also be added to the baggage claim area.
Travelers will benefit from a reconfigured gift shop and restaurant designed to better meet modern expectations, with a focus on quick, healthy, and grab-and-go options.
Additionally, the project will introduce an outdoor lounge space and replace the airport’s original brown brick flooring in ticketing and circulation areas with terrazzo, creating a brighter, more contemporary look throughout the terminal.
Originally constructed more than 40 years ago, the airport terminal predates both TSA security requirements and the widespread use of rollaboard luggage. Phase 2 addresses these evolving needs while positioning the airport for decades of future growth.
“This is more than a construction project. It’s a statement about who we are as a region and where we’re going,” airport executive director Benjamin Leischner said in Wednesday’s release. “For many visitors, the airport is their first impression of the Quad Cities. Phase 2 of Project GATEWAY ensures that impression reflects a community that is forward-thinking, welcoming and committed to providing a high-quality experience for travelers and residents alike. The positive impact of this investment will be felt across the entire region.”
The airport is partnering with Davenport-based Estes Construction to bring this vision to life and continue their commitment to leveraging local labor and skilled trades.
“Estes was founded right here in the Quad Cities over 50 years ago, and we believe strongly in advancing regional priorities forward,” said Kent Pilcher, CEO, Estes Construction. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to be the construction partner for such an impactful regional project and for the opportunity to bring many local skilled trade partners along with us.”
This project includes an IMPACT construction agreement, meaning that the region’s most skilled trade partners will work alongside Estes Construction to deliver Phase 2 of Project GATEWAY.
“IMPACT agreements promote field collaboration with the most well-trained local labor force and drive quality, schedule and safety on the job site," said Pilcher.
Architectural design for the project is being led by aviation industry leaders Mead & Hunt, based in Wisconsin.
Phase 2 builds upon the momentum of earlier improvements under Project GATEWAY and represents a major step forward in enhancing comfort, accessibility and efficiency for passengers traveling through the QC, the airport said.
The airport aims for as little disruption to travelers as possible since work will be tackled in smaller projects within the phase, spokeswoman Ashleigh Johnston said Wednesday.
Passengers will see temporary walls go up and there'll be a tunnel through the ticketing hall that will open up near the central core, she said. Baggage claim will be down to one carousel, then they'll swap.
"But goal is to minimize overall impact. Phase 1 began April 2024 and concluded March 2025, and was just under $16 million," Johnston said of that phase, including the construction of a 14,600-square-foot baggage handling facility with conveyor system for airline baggage cart loading.
That building can also hold small airline ground service equipment. Phase 1 also included the construction of a TSA screening room to allow the devices that were in public view to be moved behind secure doors. Ticketing counters were also updated, and the take-back belt to feed into the new baggage building was installed.
For more information about Project GATEWAY, visit www.qcairport.com/project-gateway/.
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