The Midland International Air & Space Port terminal is set to undergo a $2.8 million renovation, with funding provided by the bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This law aims to facilitate renovations at 114 airports across the United States.
A news release from the city of Midland details that the terminal building's HVAC and associated structures will be modernized as part of this project. Additionally, improvements will be made to the passenger screening area and restroom facilities. The $2.8 million budget will also cover 70 percent of the design phase for these renovations.
During a recent airport board meeting, Justine Ruff, director of airports for Midland, discussed projects expected to enhance the airport. "We had another great progress report in January and our numbers are up so we're I believe ten percent above where we were this same time last year," Ruff said according to NewsWest 9. She continued, "Our space port is well known in the space port community and all over the world. If you say you're from Midland Space Port they're like 'oh my gosh they're doing such great stuff there,' but nobody who lives in this area knows what goes on here. So we're going to work together with the Midland Development Corporation (MDC) to kind of bring people up to speed with what's happening at the space port so they can be excited about what's happening right here."
Earlier this month, it was announced in a city of Midland release that passenger numbers at the airport had increased by 10% in the first quarter of the current fiscal year. Southwest Airlines accounted for 45.5% of these traveling passengers. Furthermore, Delta Airlines is expected to join Southwest Airlines, American Eagle and United Airlines as a fourth customer option when it begins service on April 22.
According to city data from a 2024 press release, Southwest Airlines transported 48.2% of passengers that year. In addition, parking revenue has seen a significant increase, rising by 18.93% year over year. During the first four months of fiscal year 2024, parking revenue generated $2.6 million, a stark contrast to the $656,079 generated in fiscal year 2023.