One year into the largest renovation in its history, Omaha’s Eppley Airfield is showing dramatic signs of transformation as the $950 million Build OMA project reshapes the airport experience for Nebraska travelers.
The Omaha airport construction represents the facility’s most significant upgrade in four decades, with multiple phases of work now complete and major structural changes visible throughout the terminal.
Completed Construction Projects at Eppley Airfield
The most noticeable change for Omaha travelers is the finished glass canopy stretching across Terminal Drive. The illuminated structure features programmable lighting and an integrated speaker system for passenger announcements, protecting arrivals and departures from Nebraska weather.
A new Central Utility Plant began operations in May 2025, now supplying heating, cooling, electricity and data infrastructure throughout the Eppley Airfield complex. The facility replaces decades-old equipment and provides the backbone for future terminal expansion.
The first modernized restrooms opened earlier this year in the Omaha airport, giving travelers an early look at updated finishes and design elements that will eventually appear throughout the renovated terminal.
Current Terminal Construction and Travel Impact
Construction crews are now focused on building the Central Pavilion — a new structure that will become Eppley Airfield’s primary entrance when it opens in 2027. The pavilion will house a centralized TSA security checkpoint, consolidated dining and retail concessions and an upgraded baggage handling system.
The construction has required temporarily splitting the Omaha airport terminal into separate north and south sections, a configuration that began in January 2025 and will remain through 2027. Passengers traveling between the two halves must exit the building and use outdoor walkways along Terminal Drive or navigate through the lower level of the south parking garage.
Airport staff are stationed throughout Eppley Airfield to assist travelers with way-finding during the construction period. Digital maps are available at FlyOMA.com showing current terminal layouts and navigation routes.
What’s Coming to Omaha’s Renovated Airport
When the Build OMA terminal modernization finishes in 2028, Eppley Airfield will span approximately 646,000 square feet — nearly double its current size. The expanded Omaha airport will feature a single unified concourse designed to simplify gate access and reduce walking distances for connecting passengers.
Ticketing areas will move to the second floor adjacent to the new centralized security checkpoint, streamlining the check-in process. Additional gate capacity will accommodate growing passenger volumes and potential new airline service to Omaha.
Hudson Group and Plum Market will operate 19 new dining and retail locations throughout the renovated terminal, with 16 positioned beyond the TSA checkpoint. The concessionaires took over existing Eppley Airfield operations in January 2025 and will progressively open new locations as construction phases complete. The concessions program includes commitments to local and regional food concepts alongside national brands.
Omaha Airport Passenger Growth Drives Expansion
Eppley Airfield set a passenger traffic record in 2024 and continues experiencing growth in 2025, reinforcing the need for expanded terminal capacity in Omaha. The airport serves as a major travel hub for eastern Nebraska and western Iowa, with increasing demand for both business and leisure routes.
The modernization project addresses capacity constraints that have limited gate availability and concession space for years. Airport officials have designed the expansion to accommodate projected passenger growth through 2046 and beyond.
Pictures provided courtesy of Eppley Airfield show airport progress one year into construction.
Build OMA Funding and Timeline
The Omaha Airport Authority is financing the $950 million project through airport revenues, federal aviation grants and bonds. The authority operates as a self-sustaining governmental entity funded by airline fees, parking revenues and concession payments.
Airport officials report the Build OMA project remains on schedule and within budget. The Central Pavilion is expected to open in 2027, with final construction phases completing by the end of 2028.
Travelers can find current Eppley Airfield terminal maps, construction timelines and navigation assistance at BuildOMA.com and FlyOMA.com. The websites include updates on road closures, parking changes and airline gate assignments as construction progresses.
Photos are provided courtesy of Eppley Airfield Instagram.
