Jamesty
As air travel throughout the world keeps going up, countries and big cities are spending more money than ever before to improve and develop their airports. The airports of the future will be more than just places to change planes. They will be economic powerhouses, architectural wonders, and symbols of national aspiration. In 2025, a few megaprojects stand out because of their huge costs. They are meant to change the way people travel and deal with more and more traffic.
List Of Top 10 Most Expensive Airports In The World 2025
1. Washington Dulles International
A significant expansion project is in underway at Washington Dulles International Airport, with the goal of adding more than 2.8 million square feet to the airport’s existing facilities. This huge project, which will begin with the development of Tier 2, will expand beyond the Concourse Tier 2 East that is presently under construction. HOK will be in charge of the design of this project. In the first phase of the development, there will be a new Concourse Tier 3 in addition to the 22 international gates that will be located in Concourse Tier 2.
2. John Wayne Airport-Orange County
John Wayne Airport is constantly enhancing its infrastructure and passenger experience without building a new terminal like other airports. In 2025, operational efficiency and traveler convenience are prioritized. John Wayne Orange County Airport will join the TSA’s “Families on the Fly” campaign, which helps parents with children fly. Dedicated security lanes and quicker screening are part of the TSA’s plan to modernize travel and reduce stress. SNA’s 2025 large-scale terminal expansions may not be as significant as other airports on this list, but Orange County’s 2025-2026 Legislative Platform’s commitments to efficient service delivery and cutting-edge technology and innovation ensure continuous traveler experience improvements.
3. San Francisco International
San Francisco International Airport is constantly modernizing to make travelers feel comfortable, sustainable, and attractive. SFO is noted for its ongoing improvements to improve air travel with amazing new structures. The airport is creating large boarding rooms with natural light and views of the busy runways. New airports are designed to earn LEED® certification for sustainability. SFO uses modern materials, technologies, and methods to keep passengers and crew comfortable and healthy while being environmentally responsible. With projects running through 2026, SFO’s continuous capital improvement program improves its infrastructure, including concourse and terminal expansions, new parking garages, and improved pedestrian walkways.
4. Salt Lake City International
In 2025, Salt Lake City International Airport will finish its vast, multi-phase redevelopment. Phase 4 of “The New SLC” is ongoing, with 16 east Concourse B gates. The last five Phase 3 gates and the first five Phase 4 gates will open in Fall 2025. The remaining 11 Phase 4 gates will open in Fall 2026, with complete paving in early 2027. In late 2024, this enormous 12-year project had $370 million left in construction. The new airport would have 94 gates. Phase 4 comprises 12 new stores and eateries outside gates. A 1,000-foot tunnel connecting the concourses and a 7-mile conveyor belt baggage handling system are also part of the project. The “New SLC” uses spectacular artwork like “The River” and “The Canyon” to enhance the passenger experience and handle the airport’s seismically active dry lake bed setting with extensive engineering.
5. Detroit Metro Wayne County
To handle rising passenger loads and improve travel, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is constantly improving its facilities and services. DTW expects over 4 million holiday travelers in 2025, showing a significant air travel rebound. DTW has made various renovations to accommodate growth and improve passenger experience. A new Multi-Sensory Room at the Edward H. McNamara Terminal (across from Gate A36) offers sensory-sensitive travelers a peaceful environment. SOAR (Small Business Operators Arriving Ready) and other concessions are adding local artisan offerings to the airport’s shopping and dining options. Delta Air Lines is adding nonstop international routes to DTW’s worldwide reach. Michigan’s largest airport’s Capital Improvement Plan for FY 2025-2029 lists ongoing infrastructure projects supported by General Airport Revenue Bonds and FAA Airport Improvement Program awards to ensure continual development and operational efficiency.
6. Newark Liberty International
Newark Liberty International Airport is undergoing a multi-year, multi-billion dollar makeover to become a world-class gateway. The $2.7 billion Terminal A, the centerpiece of this redevelopment, opened in 2023 and has been named the world’s best new terminal. EWR’s 2025 redevelopment focuses on several major sectors. Reopening a runway (4L-22R) after milling and paving is a major development. This vital runway is projected to reopen ahead of schedule in May 2025 after repairs to lighting, underground electrical infrastructure, and drainage systems. Weeknight and weekend closures are planned through the end of the year. Construction on the “EWR Station Access Project” will commence in 2025. A new entrance to the Newark Airport Rail Station will give Newark and Elizabeth residents immediate access to AirTrain and NJ transportation, cutting commutes and improving public transportation access for underserved communities. The “EWR Vision Plan” incorporates more efficient taxiway networks, increased vehicular and multi-modal access, and reconfigured taxiways to accommodate larger planes and reduce delays, enabling future growth.
7. Charlotte Douglas International
As part of its “Destination CLT” campaign, Charlotte Douglas International Airport is expanding, with 2025 promising new enhancements and passenger-enhancing measures. A important milestone for 2025 is the fall completion of the Terminal Lobby Expansion (TLE). Before that, Checkpoint 2 opens in early spring, and the airport is adding three Automated Exit Lanes in Ticketing and two more baggage carousels in Baggage Claim. TLE expands the lobby by 175,000 square feet and renovates 191,000 square feet. Concrete paving for CLT’s Fourth Parallel Runway begins in 2025 and finishes in early 2027 on the airfield. The $1.006 billion airfield project will construct a 10,000-foot runway to improve operations. Concourses D and E terminal renovations will continue until 2026 and 2027, including bathrooms, lighting, seating, and terrazzo flooring. The airport will replace many boarding bridges and add eateries and artwork throughout the year to improve passenger comfort and convenience.
8. John F. Kennedy International
John F. Kennedy International Airport is undergoing a $19 billion renovation to become a worldwide gateway. Two new terminals, two expanded and modernized terminals, a new ground transportation center, and a simplified roadway network are part of the enormous renovation. New Terminal One (NTO) and JetBlue Terminal 5 improvements remain top priorities in 2025. The daring $1.37 billion green bond offering for New Terminal One closed in July 2025 and represents a significant part of the transformation. In 2026, its first phase will open with 14 additional gates and arrivals and departures halls. The largest terminal at JFK, the NTO will be 2.6 million square feet with 23 gates when completed in 2030.
9. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
Hartsfield-Jackson The world’s busiest airport, Atlanta International Airport, is investing billions in its “ATLNext” capital enhancement program to stay ahead and boost passenger satisfaction. Landside and airside terminal renewal, replacement, and modernization are part of the $11.6 billion program. Concourse D’s widening, one of ATL’s biggest expansion projects, is a 2025 priority. In September 2023, a new modular building method was used to increase the concourse from 60 to 99 feet wide and 288 feet long while keeping it operational. It’s planned to add 1,000 seats and double hold rooms and restrooms. More prefabricated modules will be erected in 2025 as Concourse D nears completion in summer 2029. Terminal modernization with new arched roadway canopies and an internal atrium, expansion of five domestic gates to Concourse T, new off-site parking, roadway and pedestrian walkway renovations, air cargo space expansion, airfield improvements (including a sixth runway and taxiway realignment), and Concourse E modernization with an Automated People Mover extension are other key program elements.
10. Dallas/Fort Worth International
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport will become one of North America’s most advanced by 2026 after a multi-billion dollar expansion and renovation project. Part of a $12 billion “DFW Forward” capital plan, the plan invests at least $4.8 billion through 2025 in new construction, major renovations, and technological upgrades. The Q1 2025 commercial opening of Terminal F is a major 2025 event. With modular growth architecture, this new terminal can service up to 15 gates initially and up to 31 gates with a direct connection to a new centralized Skylink station and a walking connection to Terminal D. International flights and increased amenities are the project’s first priorities to boost yearly passenger capacity.
