Boise, Idaho, September 4, 2025
News Summary
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.
Boise Airport Advances Major Upgrade Led by Hensel Phelps as Passenger Traffic Nears Five Million
The Boise Airport expansion project is moving forward with Hensel Phelps at the helm as construction manager and general contractor. The project is part of a multi-year program described as BOI Upgrade, a comprehensive effort to modernize terminals, add gates, improve baggage handling, and expand parking and concessions. The effort is designed to meet rising demand in a growing Treasure Valley hub while continuing to operate without tapping Boise’s general fund or property taxes.
The airport reports a near-record level of traveler activity, with passenger traffic reaching 4,990,885 in 2024, a figure that marks the busiest year to date and sits just shy of five million travelers. Officials note that the 2024 total represented an 81% jump from 2014, translating into about 2 million more passengers compared with a decade ago. Through this expansion, Boise aims to sustain that momentum and improve the overall passenger experience from curbside to gate.
Funding for the program is structured to be revenue-backed and not drawn from the city’s general funds. The City of Boise approved a contract framework of up to $700 million through 2029 to advance a slate of projects aligned with rising demand. Projects under this framework include a major baggage system relocation, a central utility plant to meet heating, cooling and electrical needs, and the addition of up to 10 new gates in Concourse A. These components are designed to function together so Concourse A can open with sufficient infrastructure in place.
Progress to date includes a number of completed or near-complete facilities: a larger, updated security checkpoint; new parking garages that add capacity for visitors; a new employee garage; and the ongoing construction of a Consolidated Rent-a-Car Experience (CONRAC), set to open in 2026. The expansion began in 2019 as Boise matured into a metropolitan hub, and planners say the work will be staged so that operations remain available throughout construction.
Key components driving the upgrade
Central to the program is a baggage handling system relocation. The current system, nearing 25 years old, is being moved to a new site on the far side of the rotunda to free space for the new Concourse A. The central utility plant will be constructed in the former baggage area, ensuring the terminal has a modern, reliable backbone for climate control and power as operations scale. Officials emphasize that the baggage system and utility plant must be ready before Concourse A can fully open, with phased execution possible to keep gates online as work continues.
The Concourse A expansion will ultimately add up to 10 gates, with a phased opening planned to balance construction needs and passenger flow. A draft timeline shows initial activity on baggage, the utility plant, Concourse A, and terminal upgrades beginning in 2027, with some elements wrapping by 2028 and Concourse A itself potentially completing in 2029.
Complementing the gates, a terminal upgrade program includes a refreshed layout for passenger reunions, moving the reunions from a cramped area near security to a larger downstairs rotunda that features a Boise map and a more welcoming flow. The expansion envisions a more “hotel-like” atmosphere and a design that emphasizes place and comfort beyond mere transit.
Concessions, dining, and local flavor
A distinctive portion of the BOI Upgrade involves concessions and retail. Phase 1 of the dining and shopping revamp opened in 2025, delivering 13 new dining and retail options that blend local brands with familiar national names. The concessions are led by management company Delaware North for dining and Paradies Lagardere for retail, with Phase 1 highlighting trees and music-inspired concepts such as Treefort Outpost, along with a two-sided bar concept featuring waffles and desserts. Bardenay remains as a legacy concession and will be expanded to add more seating for a restaurant-like experience, while other eateries and shops are set to roll out in Phase 2.
The concession plan emphasizes Boise’s identity, including rotating musicians and a focus on local products in vending and retail offerings. To keep operations steady during construction, the rollout is staged in two phases, with Phase 2 introducing additional brands like Starbucks and Wendy’s, and updates to existing venues such as replacing Einstein Bros. Bagels and Smashburger in some areas. Local vendors and statewide products appear in vending machines, and a 24-hour self-serve vending booth was added to improve accessibility.
Concourse A timing, CONRAC, and airport layout
The new Concourse A will sit on the west side of the existing Concourse B and is linked to ongoing terminal upgrades. A crucial enabling project for Concourse A is the CONRAC initiative, which consolidates rental cars into a centralized operation and eliminates the need for shuttle service. The CONRAC is slated to open in 2026, while Concourse A’s parking apron has completed Phase 1 with concrete paving as a precursor to asphalt work. This advancement opens the door for additional overnight aircraft parking and eventual space for the future concourse operations.
In parallel, Concourse B is slated for significant upgrades but is being held offline until gate capacity can be preserved to avoid disrupting the overall traffic flow. The terminal’s interior and exterior renovations are planned to reflect Boise’s local scene, with art and technology woven into the design.
Current status, capacity, and operational outlook
The airport currently serves nine airlines across 26 nonstop destinations. A number of completed facilities include expanded TSA checkpoints, a new parking exit plaza, and more than 1,100 additional long-term parking spaces, along with an employee garage. On busy days, TSA capacities are strained, underscoring the need for the ongoing upgrades. Airport officials describe Boise as an origin-and-destination market, where most travelers start and finish their trips locally, a pattern that informs the focus on passenger flow and amenities.
The BOI Upgrade is funded entirely through airport revenue streams, including passenger and customer facility charges and bonds, with no reliance on Boise’s general fund. Design teams are working with architects to weave in Boise’s identity and culture through art, amenities, and technology, ensuring the updated spaces feel like an extension of the city rather than a separate facility.
Timeline and milestones to watch
A projected timeline places the start of baggage, utility plant, Concourse A construction, and terminal upgrades in 2027, with several components slated for completion by 2028 and Concourse A reaching readiness around 2029. The concession program, parking and the rental car center are among the components designed to support passenger throughput during this multi-year period. As the project progresses, attention will shift to Concourse B upgrades after Concourse A opens.
Frequently asked questions
What is the BOI Upgrade?
The BOI Upgrade is a multi-year expansion program at Boise Airport designed to modernize facilities, add gates, improve baggage handling, and expand parking and concessions. It is funded through airport revenue rather than general city funds.
Who is leading the construction?
The program is led by Hensel Phelps as construction manager and general contractor, overseeing major components including baggage, utilities, Concourse A, and terminal upgrades.
How is the project funded?
Funding comes from airport revenue streams and bonds, with a contract framework of up to $700 million through 2029. No Boise general fund or property tax dollars are used.
When will Concourse A be completed?
Construction on Concourse A is planned to begin in 2027, with completion around 2029, depending on the sequencing of baggage and utility work and gate phasing.
When does CONRAC open?
The consolidated rental car center is expected to open in 2026, enabling a more efficient rental car operation and freeing space for aircraft parking at Concourse A in the future.
How many passengers did Boise Airport serve in 2024?
Boise Airport served 4,990,885 passengers in 2024, a record year that reflects an 81% increase since 2014.
Key features at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project leadership | Hensel Phelps serves as construction manager and general contractor for the program. |
| Funding model | Airport revenue and bonds fund the upgrades; no general city tax dollars are used. |
| Major components | Baggage system relocation, central utility plant, Concourse A expansion (up to 10 gates), security upgrades, new parking and CONRAC. |
| Concessions rollout | Phase 1 opened in 2025 with 13 dining/retail options; Phase 2 adds more brands and updates to several outlets. |
| Concourse A timeline | Construction planned to begin 2027; completion around 2029; gates phased in with a potential seven gates first, then ten more later. |
| CONRAC opening | Scheduled to open in 2026, creating a shuttle-free rental car experience and freeing space for apron work. |
| Passenger growth | 81% increase from 2014 to 2024; 4,990,885 passengers served in 2024. |
| Current capacity improvements | Expanded TSA checkpoints, new parking exit plaza, 1,100+ additional long-term spaces, and an employee garage. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- KTVB: Boise Airport opens new retail & dining options
- Wikipedia: Boise Airport
- BoiseDev: Boise Airport Concourse/Terminal update (Aug 13, 2025)
- Google Search: Boise Airport concourse terminal
- Jacobs: Jacobs selected to support Idaho airport expansion
- Google Scholar: Boise Airport expansion
- Idaho Press / Boise Weekly: Boise Airport expansion continues with first wave of new concessions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boise Airport
- Idaho News: Boise Airport hits record passenger numbers; plans major expansions
- Google News: Boise Airport expansion
