RIC officials preview $200 million TSA checkpoint upgrades

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Officials with Richmond International Airport (RIC) got a preview of major renovations that could potentially redesign how travelers enter its main terminal and navigate security.

As first reported by Richmond BizSense, a preliminary model was presented to the Capital Region Airport Commission during a meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 25, which showcased concepts for a new consolidated Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint.

Although there were early discussions surrounding the checkpoint in November 2024, estimating the total cost to be around $40 million, the commission now said it's closer to over $200 million.

Queuing (Photo: Gresham Smith, KEi Architects)

Circulation Atrium (Photo: Gresham Smith, KEi Architects)

The current plans include a 159,000-square foot upgrade to the airport's main terminal, removing its two separate checkpoints in favor of one singular and modernized checkpoint.

The architecture firms Gresham Smith and KEi Architecture were brought on to design the checkpoint, and the commission said they will consider both federal and state grants to help with funds.

Entry to Checkpoint (Photo: Gresham Smith, KEi Architects)

Renovated Concessions (Photo: Gresham Smith, KEi Architects)

Screening and Recomposure (Photo: Gresham Smith, KEi Architects)

In addition to extra security lanes, the new checkpoint upgrades will include new escalators, renovated concessions and more opportunities for natural light.