Major expansion at Fargo airport brings new gates, amenities, and more space for travelers
Fargo, North Dakota – Travelers flying in and out of Fargo will soon experience a major upgrade as Hector International Airport prepares to open a brand new concourse designed to make air travel more comfortable, spacious, and modern. Airport officials say the long-anticipated expansion is the largest transformation the terminal has seen in decades.
The new concourse will officially open to the public on Tuesday, Feb. 10, marking a key milestone in a multi-year terminal expansion and remodeling project.
New concourse brings space comfort and modern features
The concourse is part of a $105 million construction project and adds 73,000 square feet to the terminal. It includes four additional aircraft gates, a bright open design, and a wide range of new amenities aimed at improving the passenger experience. The overall terminal expansion carries a price tag of more than $200 million, funded through a mix of city, state, and federal dollars.
That larger total includes not only the new concourse, but also a $47 million parking ramp, expanded aircraft apron space, a climate-controlled skyway connecting the ramp to the terminal, and a system designed to capture and manage deicing fluid. While most funding is secured, airport leaders said they may still issue $25 million to $30 million in revenue bonds to cover remaining costs.
When the concourse opens, passengers will immediately notice changes to security screening. The TSA checkpoint has been relocated and expanded. Instead of being straight ahead at the top of the escalator, it is now positioned to the right, leading directly toward the new concourse. The checkpoint is larger than the previous three-lane setup and is paired with a high-tech one-way exit corridor built by dormakaba, helping guide arriving passengers smoothly toward baggage claim.
Past security, travelers will see one of the biggest improvements: space. Previously, gates sometimes seated only a fraction of the passengers on a full aircraft. The new concourse offers larger waiting areas, better seating, and “common use” gate technology that allows airlines to shift gates more easily during delays or equipment issues.
The concourse was designed by Mead & Hunt, with one of the lead architects being Brett Barry, a graduate of North Dakota State University. The design features large wooden beams, expansive glass walls, and natural light throughout.
Amenities include charging tables, seats with cup holders, much larger restrooms, family rooms, and adult changing stations for travelers with disabilities. A sensory room offers calming lights for anxious travelers, while an immersive reality room and a children’s play area provide engaging distractions. A service animal relief area is also included.
Artwork from local artists will be installed in the coming months. Construction on the terminal and parking ramp began in spring 2024, with the ramp opening in August 2025. Traffic lanes south of the terminal are expected to reopen in March, and the skyway should open in December. The final remodel of the existing terminal is projected to wrap up in 2027, completing a full transformation of Fargo’s airport experience.
