Springfield-Branson National Airport marked the completion of more than $35 million in recent upgrades with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Roy Blunt Terminal lobby Oct. 1.
The ceremony highlighted the completion of a 13-month, $4.5 million flooring replacement project that airport officials said took years to move from planning to completion, according to a community announcement.
“This project is for all of us — for a community and airport that deserve so much good. We strive to be great, because Southwest Missouri deserves nothing less,” Airport Director Dave Schaumburg said in the announcement.
The event also recognized the completion of a redesigned Visitor Information Center operated by Visit Springfield.
Opened this spring, the updated visitor
center includes interactive digital kiosks, a redesigned information desk and improved visibility within the terminal. According to the announcement, travelers can access visitor information, local recommendations and trip-planning tools around the clock through the kiosks.
Mark Hecquet, president and CEO of Visit Springfield, said that the upgraded space is intended to make it easier for arriving travelers to connect with local attractions, hotels, restaurants and events.
“First impressions matter, and for many travelers the airport is their first introduction to Springfield,” Hecquet said in the announcement. “This redesigned welcome center gives them an easier way to connect with local attractions, hotels, restaurants, events and experiences as soon as they land.”
The original airport visitor information center opened in 1998 and later moved to the Midfield Terminal when that facility opened in 2009. The redesigned center continues a partnership between Visit Springfield and the airport while reflecting changes in how travelers gather information and plan trips.
Nabholz Construction served as the contractor for both the visitor center renovation and the flooring replacement project.
Airport projects completed since 2025
Airport officials said in the announcement that several major construction projects have been completed since 2025, including:
- Cargo ramp replacement project, $10 million
- Terminal ramp expansion project, $9 million
- Jet bridge replacement project, $8 million
- Short-term parking lot expansion project, $2 million
- Flooring replacement project, $4.5 million
- Automated exit lanes, $400,000
Together, the projects represent more than $35 million in airport improvements.
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This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield airport celebrates $35 million in completed upgrades
