Richmond International Airport announces $253.1M security checkpoint project

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- As the region continues to grow, Richmond International Airport (RIC) has announced some upcoming projects to combat the development.

RIC announced in a press release that it has started to prepare for the increasing passenger traffic that is expected over the next few years.

The Capital Region Airport Commission recently met to share monthly reports and to discuss upcoming projects.

“Exciting things are on the horizon at Richmond International Airport as we strive to be the
region’s preferred gateway to the world,” said Perry J. Miller, the commission president and CEO. “As the Richmond region grows, we are keeping pace, and the positive performance trend at RIC reinforces passengers’ desire for the efficient and convenient air travel options we’re working to strengthen and expand.”

Representatives from the architecture and engineering firm, Gresham Smith, presented an estimated cost of $253.1 million for the consolidated security screening checkpoint project.

The project will include the construction of a new space and the renovation of an existing area on the first and second floors. As well as construction for a mezzanine space.

The project includes a streamlined entrance for the security checkpoint, higher ceilings in screening and recomposure area and a new open-concept concessions area, according to the release.

A contract for the project is expected for summer 2026, with construction to be completed 24 to 30 months after it begins. Growth reports have estimated that this new checkpoint and building renovations would serve the projected passenger traffic for about 12 years, per the release.

"The consolidated checkpoint will merge two separate checkpoints, which will improve passenger circulation between concourses," the release said. "It will streamline the passenger experience, offering the potential to expand to 14 security lanes, creating additional space for concessions, and allowing for the addition of an airport lounge."

Passenger traffic at RIC in January decreased by 3.8% compared to the year before, with 316,765 passengers traveling through. There were 346 canceled flights, which were mainly due to the winter storm that hit most of Virginia.

For the fiscal year to date 2026 (FYTD 26) report, RIC has expected a 2.1% increase in passenger traffic compared to the same fiscal year prior in 2025. This would be an increase of around 60,000 additional passengers for the year over year basis.

In January, it was reported that the airport revenue and expenses had outperformed the FY26 budget, according to an audited budget.

The commission, during the last meeting, also reviewed and approved solutions for the long-term growth of RIC, which include the following:

• A new lease for the Ivor Massey Building that will benefit U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which will include a five-year firm lease with another five-year renewal term. The total annual lease amount for the initial five-year term is $135,584.
• An agreement to increase site readiness efforts by entering a license agreement with Henrico Economic Development Authority to facilitate a $1 million grant that was given by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s Virginia Business Ready Site Program (VBRSP). Which will go towards improvements to the Beulah Road site.
• A contract was awarded to JSG Corporation of Williamburg, Va., for $2.11 million for grading around 5.5 acres of land located east of RIC. The work will include grading, stormwater improvements, selective tree clearing, erosion control, and storm sewer installation, per the release.