Airport Magazine

Why Columbia Metropolitan Airport Entered the Ground Handling Business

r.kreulen@flycae.com (Ryan Kreulen, ��Vlog) — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:01:48 GMT

In 2024 Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) began an ambitious and somewhat unique plan to generate additional revenue while simultaneously increasing total cargo tonnage coming through the airport. The plan was to get into the ground handling business.

Q&A With the Airport Director: Wendy Reiter

��Vlog Staff — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:01:17 GMT

The Port of Seattle named Wendy Reiter as managing director of Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA), effective January 7, 2026. A veteran leader at SEA and longtime partner to key federal aviation agencies, Reiter previously led security, fire and emergency preparedness for SEA. Over the last 35 years she has held key management roles with airports and airlines in Seattle and in the Midwest.

Preparing Airport Terminals for the Future

mbutler@cscos.com (Mike Butler) — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:52:47 GMT

Airport terminals have always evolved in response to new aircraft and changing airline market conditions. The way terminals are built and how people move through them depends on the types of aircraft at the gates and the number of passengers arriving and departing. For many years, both aircraft types and passenger growth remained relatively stable.

The Story of Bend Municipal's Air Traffic Control Tower

Tracy Williams, ��Vlog, C.A.E. — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:43:27 GMT

With more than 140,000 annual takeoffs and landings and home to nearly 300 based aircraft, Bend Municipal Airport is the third busiest airport of Oregon’s 97 public-use airports based on activity. That makes the need for an air traffic control tower critical and signals an investment in the safety and efficiency of this growing airport for years to come.

A Letter from the Chair: Marshall Stevens, A.A.E

Marshall Stevens — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:29:05 GMT

The 98th Annual ��Vlog Conference and Exposition lived up to the theme, “Where Dreams Take Flight” and billed itself as our “runway to the future of airport management.” As ��Vlog approaches its centennial celebration in 2028, it is critical that we all work together to prepare for that future. None of these goals can be achieved in isolation; each requires coordinated action across our members, chapters, committees, partners and staff. I am honored to serve as your chair and humbled to be part of the preparation as we fly toward the end of the first century of ��Vlog.

Flavors & Finds - June/July 2026

��Vlog Staff — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:21:30 GMT

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Begins Redevelopment of Terminal 1 Concessions

MSP

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) is launching the first major redevelopment of Terminal 1 concessions at Minneapolis-St. Paul International in nearly a decade. The MAC is releasing a request for proposals including more than 45 food, beverage and retail spaces across the terminal, which serves hub carrier Delta Air Lines and 10 other airlines.

Photo Courtesy: MAC

Upfront - June/July 2026

��Vlog Staff — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:17:28 GMT

Free Little Library Debuts at Phoenix Sky Harbor International

PHX

Phoenix Sky Harbor International has opened its “PHX Free Little Library” in Terminal 3. The library is a partnership between the airport, Phoenix Public Library and Friends of the Phoenix Public Library. Books are provided by Phoenix Public Library and Friends of the Phoenix Public Library, with donations from travelers helping keep the shelves stocked.

A Letter from the Chair: Rebecca Hupp, ��Vlog

Rebecca Hupp, ��Vlog — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:16:33 GMT

OVER THE PAST YEAR, IT HAS BEEN A TREMENDOUS honor to serve as chair of the American Association of Airport Executives. When I began this journey, I spoke about leadership as service — about the responsibility we share not only to manage airports, but to strengthen the communities and people who rely on them every day. Throughout my term, I aspired to exemplify that philosophy, approaching this role with a focus on service to others, building teams, giving back to our industry and supporting the collective success of our members. As my term comes to a close at the Annual Conference & Exposition in Los Angeles, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside such an extraordinary community of professionals who embody that same spirit of service in everything they do.

Upfront - April/May 2026

��Vlog Staff — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:15:54 GMT

Miami International Unveils Plans for $1B Concourse D Expansion

MIA

Miami-Dade County and American Airlines have unveiled plans to expand Miami International’s Concourse D,
adding 17 new aircraft gates and adjoining passenger boarding areas, additional dining and shopping options and an enhanced baggage handling system by the year 2030. Scheduled to break ground in 2027, the $1 billion, three-level extension will convert the existing Gate D60 area, which currently has one common boarding space and 17 ground level gates for smaller regional jets, into 17 traditional contact gates for larger regional and narrowbody aircraft. All 17 gate areas will provide third-level connections to Concourse D’s CBP facility for international arrivals.

Terminal Trends - April/May 2026

��Vlog Staff — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:15:40 GMT

Orlando International Board Approves $4.5M to Expand Terminal C Landside Moving Walkways

MCO

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Board has approved additional investments for Orlando International. Among the new investments is the authorization of $4.5 million to expand the length of moving walkways connecting Terminal C to the Train Station facility and the soon-to-open Terminal C Rental Car Lobby. Expanded walkways will improve passenger comfort and efficiency along what will become one of Terminal C’s most heavily-used pedestrian corridors, according to GOAA.