Why do we need a new Terminal Building? 

• Meridian Regional Airport’s terminal building is 65 years old. It was designed before passenger security checks and before computers. Despite 6 renovations, we are still restricted due to the structural design of the building. 

• The cost to renovate the current structure far exceeds the cost of a new building. 

• This grant is a once in a lifetime opportunity. After this program expires in 2026, there will be no practical way to fund a terminal at a small airport. 

• The TSA passenger screening checkpoint is 1/3 the size needed by TSA and cannot be enlarged without an impractical renovation of the heart of the building and virtual elimination of our waiting area. 

• Our current Airline Office is far too small for the number of employees needed to operate the airline and provides no space for future growth. 

• There is inadequate storage for supplies. As of today, our airline shares space with TSA baggage inspection equipment. Our designated custodial, mechanical, electrical and communication space is far too small and shares a single, small room. 

• Ceiling heights are 8 feet and lower in the majority of our building, even after 6 renovations. 

• Currently passenger luggage is returned in our baggage claim via a roll-up garage door. The bags then slide down a stainless slide, frequently landing on top of each other. 

• There is no sidewalk along the front of the current terminal building, and the 2 passenger lanes are narrow, creating a dangerous situation for pedestrians. 

• Our freight/baggage space is a 12-foot by 20-foot garage stall that is filled with other equipment as well as the baggage cart it is intended to serve. The existing space is about 1/6 the space needed for secure baggage handling.

• There are no restrooms after the passenger security checkpoint, which requires passengers to exit the secure area and pass through security a second time if they need the restroom.

• There are no family restrooms anywhere in the building for those needing assistance. 

• We have 3 separate parking lots, requiring passengers to search for vacant parking spaces. 

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When will this begin and what should passengers expect? 

• Construction has begun! It started in September of 2024. 

• All operations will remain in the existing building until we move into the new building and will not disrupt passenger experience. 

 

Where is the new building going to be? 

The new terminal building will be just north of the existing terminal and further from the highway allowing for more drive lanes and more parking near the building.