With the muting of travel due to the worldwide pandemic, plenty of airports around the United States took advantage of the lack of travelers to start some expansive construction updates. Many invested in new terminals while others added new shops, restaurants and general upgrades to the infrastructure, décor and more.

In Colorado, Denver International Airport started new construction in March 2020. Currently underway in the center of the terminal, the first phase includes new airline ticket counters in the center of Level 6, making wider balconies, adding new restrooms on both the east and west sides and more. The construction is set to be finished by the last quarter of 2021. Passengers need not worry, though, because construction will not affect the security or check- in processes.

Back in May, San Francisco International Airport completed the latest phase of the $2.4 billion construction of Harvey Milk Terminal 1, featuring seven new departure gates, a new post-security connector to the International Terminal, a new museum gallery, an exhibit honoring the life and legacy of Harvey Milk and more. The final phase of the construction, scheduled to create a new North check-in lobby, is in progress now and is expected to be completed as early as spring 2024.

Due to the global pandemic and passenger requests and feedback for more low-touch amenities and concessions, Chicago O’Hare International Airport is adding 10 new automated, low-touch amenities. These include Micro Marts with Amazon’s “Just Walk Out” technology that will be operated by Hudson News. For increased health and safety, the cashier-less retail will give travelers the option to browse and pay for prepackaged food and merchandise without interacting with a cashier. Nine new vending machines will also utilize the latest technology, enabling passengers to shop branded food and beverage, retail products and other services via automated machines with touchscreen technology.

Meanwhile, Salt Lake City International Airport strives to secure a position as a global aviation hub by building a brand-new airport. The New SLC redevelopment program was envisioned more than 20 years ago to address projected passenger growth. To prepare for the future, Salt Lake City Department of Airports is updating its Master Plan to determine future facility requirements needed to serve the area and accommodate upcoming trends for the next 20 years.