Concept aerial view of the BOI Upgrade showing the planned Concourse A extension, baggage relocation area and new parking structures at Boise Airport.
Boise, Idaho, September 4, 2025
Boise Airport has tapped Hensel Phelps as construction manager to lead a multi-year BOI Upgrade responding to sharp passenger growth, with traffic now nearing 5 million. The capital program targets major improvements including a new baggage handling system, a central utility plant, a west-side Concourse A adding up to 10 gates in phased openings, terminal flow upgrades and expanded concessions and parking. The airport approved a framework allowing contracts up to $700 million that will be paid from airport revenue, passenger charges and bonds. Work is being phased so the airport remains open during construction.
The Boise Airport has selected Colorado-based construction manager Hensel Phelps to lead a multi-year set of projects aimed at handling a surge in travelers that pushed annual passenger counts to 4,990,885 in 2024, nearly 5 million. The move follows city approval of a contract framework that allows up to $700 million in work through 2029 and keeps construction funded by airport revenues rather than general tax dollars.
The highest-priority upgrades are the airport’s baggage handling system and a new central utility plant for heating, cooling and electrical systems. Those projects must be completed before work begins on a new west-side Concourse A that will eventually add up to 10 new gates. The existing baggage system is nearly 25 years old, hard to maintain and dependent on parts no longer manufactured, prompting a relocation of baggage operations to the other side of the terminal rotunda to free the current space for the utility plant.
A draft timeline shows major work on the baggage system, central utility plant, Concourse A and terminal upgrades beginning in 2027. Some projects could wrap by 2028, while the full concourse work may continue into 2029. Under the agreed framework, projects will be commissioned as funding becomes available and will use airport revenue sources, passenger and customer facility charges, and bonds — with no use of Boise’s general fund or property tax.
Concourse A is planned on the west side of the existing Concourse B. Airport leaders may open Concourse A in phases, initially activating a set of seven gates along the south side, with an additional five gates in a later phase. Upgrades to Concourse B will follow; officials plan to avoid taking gates offline on Concourse B while traffic remains constrained.
The airport launched Phase 1 of a larger concessions overhaul that is part of the BOI Upgrade program, a roughly $42 million expansion for concessions and terminal improvements. Phase 1 opened to travelers in August 2025 and introduced 13 new dining and retail options that emphasize local brands alongside familiar national names. Concepts introduced include a pre-security music-themed outpost, expanded seating at the main sit-down restaurant, wine and small plates in Concourse C, and a new retail store focused on a well-known local landmark.
Phase 2 will continue the rollout with additional swaps and refreshes — including replacements of some national and local outlets — and the rollout is staged so shops and restaurants can remain open during construction. New passenger amenities added in recent work include upgraded vending with local products, a 24-hour self-serve vending booth, new seating arrangements, and a family restroom area featuring private bathrooms and the airport’s first adult changing table.
The BOI Upgrade responds to substantial growth since the program began in 2019. Passenger volume increased by 81% from 2014 to 2024, adding roughly two million more boardings and deplanings over the decade. The airport now handles nine airlines serving 26 nonstop destinations and recorded its highest annual count in 2024, a 5% increase over the prior year. The airport operates primarily as an origin-and-destination market, creating concentrated peak-period demand in the early morning and late evening.
The city approved the contract framework that allows the airport to hire a construction manager/general contractor and to advance projects as funding permits. The selection of Hensel Phelps is set for formal approval by the city council in the coming month relative to the timeline shown. Project funding comes entirely from airport revenue sources and bonds; no property tax or city general fund dollars are being used for construction.
Travelers will see new dining and shopping options, more parking capacity, an added security lane and active construction on the CONRAC through 2026. Major terminal and concourse construction is set to begin in 2027, with staged openings to limit disruption to current flight operations. Once the upgrade completes — currently expected by 2029 — work will shift to renovating Concourse B and finishing interior updates to improve passenger flow and create a stronger sense of place that reflects the region.
The BOI Upgrade is the Boise Airport’s multi-year capital program that includes a new baggage system, central utility plant, a new Concourse A with up to 10 gates, terminal updates, expanded parking, a consolidated rental car facility, and a concessions overhaul.
The airport selected Hensel Phelps to serve as construction manager and general contractor for the multi-year program, pending formal city council approval.
All work is funded through airport revenue sources such as passenger and customer facility charges and bonds. No work will be paid for from the city’s general fund or property taxes.
Major enabling projects like a new baggage system and central utility plant are scheduled to start first, with construction on Concourse A expected to begin in 2027. The full program could continue into 2029.
Officials plan phased construction and will avoid taking many active gates offline at once. Concourse B upgrades will follow completion of Concourse A to reduce operational impacts.
Completed work includes a new parking garage with over 1,100 spaces, an employee garage, added security lanes, an expanded checkpoint, and Phase 1 of the concessions revamp.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Construction manager | Hensel Phelps (pending formal council approval) |
| Contract framework | Up to $700 million authorized through 2029; projects commissioned as funding allows |
| Major early projects | New baggage handling system and central utility plant (preconditions for Concourse A) |
| Concourse A | West of Concourse B; up to 10 gates (phased: initial 7 gates, later 5) |
| CONRAC | Consolidated rental car facility under construction; expected 2026 opening |
| Parking | New visitor garage with ~1,100 spaces and a completed employee garage |
| Concessions | Phase 1 opened with 13 new options emphasizing local brands; Phase 2 underway |
| Timeline | Major construction starts in 2027; completion of primary work expected by 2029 |
| Funding | Airport revenue, passenger/customer charges, and bonds; no general fund or property tax |
| 2024 passenger count | 4,990,885 (81% increase since 2014) |
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