Route Development
Fresno Yosemite International Launches $150M FATforward Expansion
Fresno Yosemite International Airport unveils a $150M terminal expansion featuring new concourse, tripled international processing, and future runway upgrades.
This article is based on an official press release from Fresno Yosemite International Airport.
On December 17, 2025, officials at Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) and the City of Fresno unveiled the most significant terminal expansion in the facility’s 77-year history. Dubbed “FATforward,” the $150 million project introduces a new concourse, a vastly expanded international arrivals facility, and modernized amenities designed to support the Central Valley’s rapid aviation growth.
According to the official announcement, the expansion adds approximately 98,000 square feet to the airport’s footprint. The project was delivered to accommodate record-breaking passenger numbers, which airport data indicates surpassed 2.6 million travelers in 2024. The new facilities officially began operating flights on December 18, 2025, marking a new era for the region’s primary air hub.
Mayor Jerry Dyer and Interim Director of Aviation Francisco Partida led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, emphasizing the project’s role in regional economic development. The expansion was completed without the use of City of Fresno General Funds, relying instead on a mix of federal grants and airport revenue bonds.
The FATforward program focuses on increasing capacity and efficiency across the terminal. The centerpiece of the project is the new Concourse B, which features modernized passenger holdrooms and two new swing-gate jet bridges. These gates are designed with flexibility in mind, capable of serving both domestic and international flights as demand fluctuates.
A critical component of the upgrade is the new Federal Inspection Station (FIS) for international arrivals. The press release notes that this facility triples the airport’s previous capacity for processing international passengers. This upgrade addresses a key bottleneck, allowing for faster customs processing and a more welcoming experience for travelers arriving from abroad. The area now includes a dedicated “friends and family” welcome plaza.
Operational improvements also extend to security and baggage. A new security checkpoint, which opened earlier in April 2025, features a “recompose” area to improve passenger flow. Behind the scenes, a state-of-the-art baggage handling system has been installed to streamline the movement of luggage from ticket counters to aircraft.
“The Airports Department is proud to deliver this project, a major modernization of our City Airport, designed to meet the fast-paced and growing needs of the traveling public.”
, Francisco Partida, Interim Director of Aviation
Beyond functional upgrades, the expansion integrates a robust public art program intended to reflect the culture and landscape of the Central Valley. This initiative was a key part of the vision of the late Director of Aviation Henry Thompson, whose legacy was honored during the unveiling ceremony.
The facility features several major art installations:
Interior design elements further reinforce the regional identity. The terminal features terrazzo flooring with a “river” pattern symbolizing the San Joaquin River, while wood accents around video walls evoke the giant Sequoias and Redwoods found in nearby national parks.
The $150 million capital project was funded through a diverse portfolio of sources, ensuring no impact on local city tax dollars. Funding streams included Federal Infrastructure Grants under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, FAA grants, Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs), Measure C, TSA grants, and Airport Revenue Bonds.
According to project data, the construction phase generated significant economic activity, creating approximately 683 jobs, with 436 of those positions filled by local workers. The primary contractor for the project was Q&D Construction, with CSHQA serving as the lead architect.
“This is an unforgettable day in the City of Fresno as we unveiled the largest terminal expansion in the Airport’s history. The new expansion strengthens our region’s future by positioning the Airport as a more competitive and attractive facility for growing air service.”
, Jerry Dyer, Mayor of Fresno
The completion of FATforward arrives at a pivotal moment for Fresno Yosemite International. With passenger traffic exceeding 2.6 million in 2024, the airport has transitioned from a regional spoke to a significant travel node for the Central Valley. The decision to triple the capacity of the Federal Inspection Station is particularly strategic. It directly supports the airport’s growing international portfolio, which includes seasonal service to Guadalajara by Alaska Airlines and expanded connectivity to major hubs.
Furthermore, the immediate transition to the next phase of infrastructure development, a $105 million runway reconstruction project scheduled for January 2026, demonstrates an aggressive approach to modernization. By securing federal funding and avoiding local general funds, airport leadership has managed to scale infrastructure to meet demand without straining municipal budgets, a model that positions FAT well for future route acquisition.
With the terminal expansion complete, airport officials are turning their attention to airfield infrastructure. A $105 million project to replace the primary runway with concrete is scheduled to commence in January 2026. Additionally, planning is underway for a new Air Traffic Control Tower to replace the existing aging structure. Travelers can also expect new route options in the coming year. Allegiant is set to launch nonstop service to Portland (PDX) in May 2025, while Southwest will begin daily service to San Diego in October 2025 alongside expanded flights to Las Vegas.
Sources: City of Fresno Unveils Largest Airport Expansion in History
Fresno Yosemite International Unveils Historic $150 Million “FATforward” Expansion
Inside the FATforward Expansion
Art, Design, and Regional Identity
Funding and Economic Impact
AirPro News Analysis
Future Outlook
Sources
Photo Credit: Fresno Yosemite International Airport
Route Development
Miami International Airport Opens $137M Ibis Garage Six Months Early
Miami International Airport opens the $137M Ibis Garage with 2,240 parking spaces and smart tech, completed six months ahead of schedule.
This article is based on an official press release from Miami International Airport.
Miami-Dade County officials and aviation leaders gathered on Friday, December 19, 2025, to celebrate a significant infrastructure milestone at Miami International Airport (MIA). Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and MIA Director/CEO Ralph Cutié hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Ibis Garage, a seven-level parking facility designed to alleviate congestion just in time for the peak winter holiday travel season.
According to the official announcement from the airport, the facility adds 2,240 new parking spaces to the airport’s inventory. Notably, the project was completed six months ahead of schedule, allowing the garage to open to the public on the evening of the ceremony. The opening represents a key delivery in the airport’s broader $9 billion “Modernization in Action” (M.I.A.) Plan.
The Ibis Garage is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing airport infrastructure. It connects directly to the Flamingo Garage through both pedestrian and vehicular bridges and features a pedestrian bridge on the third level that provides direct access to the terminal. This connectivity is intended to streamline the flow of passengers and vehicles, reducing the time travelers spend circling for parking.
In a statement regarding the opening, Mayor Levine Cava highlighted the operational impact of the new structure:
“This new garage will decongest our other garages and the terminal space, representing a giant leap forward for passenger convenience.”
, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava
MIA Director Ralph Cutié emphasized that the project was necessary to handle the airport’s “explosive passenger growth,” ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with rising travel demand.
Beyond capacity, the Ibis Garage introduces advanced technology aimed at improving the user experience. The facility utilizes a camera-based Parking Guidance System with overhead LED indicators, green for available and red for occupied, to guide drivers to open spots efficiently. Additionally, the garage features License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology. This “Find Your Car” feature allows travelers who forget where they parked to locate their vehicle using kiosks or mobile apps. The structure was also designed with sustainability in mind, adhering to Parksmart Silver certification standards. This global rating system recognizes high-performing, sustainable parking structures. Key environmental features include:
The $137 million project was constructed by Lemartec Corporation, a Miami-based design-build firm. The early completion of the project is viewed by county officials as a major success for the Miami-Dade Aviation Department’s Capital Improvement Program.
Regarding the financial structure of the project, airport officials confirmed that the Ibis Garage was funded primarily through Aviation Revenue Bonds and airport-generated revenues. The Miami-Dade Aviation Department operates as a financially self-sufficient entity, meaning no local property tax dollars were utilized for this construction.
The early delivery of the Ibis Garage is a significant operational win for MIA. Large-scale infrastructure projects at major U.S. hubs frequently face delays due to logistical complexities and labor shortages. Delivering a 2,240-space facility six months ahead of schedule suggests strong project management and coordination between the county and the contractor, Lemartec Corporation.
Furthermore, the integration of the “Find Your Car” LPR technology addresses a specific, high-friction pain point for travelers. As airports compete for passenger satisfaction ratings, the shift from “concrete storage” to “tech-enabled mobility hubs” is becoming the industry standard. The Parksmart Silver certification also aligns the airport with broader municipal climate goals, ensuring that new heavy infrastructure contributes to Net Zero targets rather than detracting from them.
The Ibis Garage is one of the first major components of the M.I.A. Plan to come online. The $9 billion initiative aims to overhaul the airport over the next 5 to 10 years to accommodate projected growth, which estimates 77 million travelers and 4 million tons of freight annually by 2040.
Upcoming projects in the pipeline include:
Miami International Airport Opens $137 Million Ibis Garage Six Months Early
Capacity and Connectivity
Smart Technology and Sustainability
Construction, Funding, and Economic Impact
AirPro News Analysis
Future Modernization Plans
Sources
Photo Credit: Miami International Airport
Route Development
Adani Airport Unit Plans $11 Billion Investment and IPO by FY28
Adani Airport Holdings outlines $11 billion investment plan and targets IPO in FY28, expanding airports and developing commercial hubs in India.
This article summarizes reporting by Bloomberg. The original report is paywalled; this article summarizes publicly available elements and public remarks.
Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL), the Airports unit of the Adani Group, has unveiled a comprehensive strategic roadmap involving an $11 billion (approximately ₹1 trillion) investment plan to be executed by 2030. According to reporting by Bloomberg, the infrastructure giant is simultaneously preparing for a public listing targeted for the fiscal year ending March 2028 (FY28).
The massive capital injection is designed to transform the company from a traditional infrastructure operator into a diversified aviation and lifestyle conglomerate. As detailed in the report, a significant portion of these funds will support the expansion of existing terminals, the construction of new infrastructure, and the development of “city-side” amenities such as hotels and retail hubs.
A critical immediate milestone for the group is the operational launch of the Navi Mumbai International Airport. Scheduled to commence operations on December 25, 2025, this greenfield project will establish Mumbai as the first Indian city with a dual-airport system, aiming to decongest the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).
The investment strategy reported by Bloomberg highlights a pivot away from reliance solely on aeronautical revenue. AAHL intends to develop land surrounding its airports into commercial hubs featuring convention centers, hospitality venues, and retail destinations.
According to the financial details summarized in the report, the group aims to increase non-aeronautical revenue, derived from retail, food and beverage, and real estate, to 50% of its total revenue. This shift is intended to insulate the business from the volatility often associated with passenger traffic numbers.
Beyond the new Navi Mumbai site, the $11 billion allocation will fund capacity expansions at AAHL’s seven existing operational airports, including facilities in Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Thiruvananthapuram. The group is also diversifying into MRO services, seeking to capture market share currently held by overseas providers.
Adani executives have signaled an aggressive approach toward the Indian government’s upcoming round of airport privatization. The government plans to lease out 11 additional airports by the end of FY26 using a “bundling” strategy. As described in the reporting, this model pairs profitable, high-traffic airports with smaller, loss-making ones to ensure balanced regional development. The target list reportedly includes major airports such as Varanasi and Bhubaneswar bundled with smaller counterparts like Kushinagar and Gaya. Adani executives have stated their intent to bid competitively for these assets to consolidate their leadership position.
AAHL is actively preparing for a public listing, with a target date set for FY28. According to Bloomberg, the group prefers a demerger from its parent company, Adani Enterprises Ltd, rather than a traditional IPO structure, a move viewed as potentially unlocking greater value for current shareholders.
To establish a valuation benchmark prior to the listing, the company is reportedly seeking a strategic partner to acquire a minority stake. While no formal deal has been finalized as of late 2025, the objective is to secure external validation of the business model before going public.
Recent financial data cited in the report indicates strong growth trajectories for the unit:
The strategic pivot toward “city-side” development represents a fundamental shift in how airport operators view their assets. By aiming for 50% non-aeronautical revenue, Adani is effectively treating the airport not just as a transit hub, but as an anchor for a broader real estate ecosystem, an “aero-city” model that has seen success globally but remains underutilized in parts of India.
Furthermore, the aggressive pursuit of the next 11 privatized airports suggests a high tolerance for near-term operational costs in exchange for long-term monopoly power. While the “bundling” of loss-making airports presents a financial burden, few competitors possess the capital depth to absorb these costs, potentially leaving the field open for Adani to further cement its dominance in the Indian aviation sector.
Adani Airport Unit Outlines $11 Billion Investment and IPO Roadmap
Strategic Expansion and “City-Side” Development
Infrastructure Upgrades
Privatization and Market Consolidation
IPO Timeline and Strategic Partnerships
Financial Performance
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Amit Dave – Reuters
Route Development
AnguillAir Starts Direct Seasonal Flights from U.S. Northeast to Anguilla
AnguillAir, a BermudAir brand, begins nonstop flights from Boston, Newark, and Baltimore to Anguilla’s upgraded airport through April 2026.
For the first time in history, travelers from the U.S. Northeast can fly nonstop to the Caribbean island of Anguilla, bypassing the traditional and often cumbersome connections through St. Maarten or Puerto Rico. AnguillAir, a new sub-brand operated by the boutique carrier BermudAir, officially launched its inaugural services this week.
According to reporting by Travel Weekly, the new carrier began operations on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, with a flight from Boston (BOS). This was followed by a Newark (EWR) launch on Thursday and a Baltimore/Washington (BWI) service commencing today, December 19. The flights are timed to coincide with the opening of the newly upgraded passenger terminal at Anguilla’s Clayton J. Lloyd International Airports (AXA).
The introduction of these routes represents a significant shift in regional Caribbean aviation, offering a “tarmac-to-tarmac” solution for high-end leisure travelers who previously relied on ferries or charter hops to reach the destination.
AnguillAir operates as a seasonal service, scheduled to run through April 2026. While marketed under the AnguillAir brand, the flights are operated by BermudAir using its existing Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), flight crew, and fleet. Official scheduling data confirms the following operational timeline:
The routes will be served twice weekly using BermudAir’s fleet of Embraer E175 and E190 regional jets. These aircraft are configured to support a premium leisure product, with the E175 offering 10 Business Class and 60 Economy Class seats, while the E190 features 8 Business Class and 88 Economy Class seats.
Historically, access to Anguilla has been a logistical challenge for U.S. visitors. The standard journey involved a commercial-aircraft flight to St. Maarten (SXM), followed by a taxi to a ferry terminal, and finally a boat ride to Anguilla. Alternatively, travelers could connect via San Juan (SJU) onto smaller propeller aircraft.
In a statement regarding the launch, Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir, emphasized the strategic intent behind the new brand:
“This is much more than a new route, it’s a reflection of what BermudAir was built to do: deliver extraordinary service while broadening our destination offerings. We’re thrilled that we are now able to extend the service and care we offer from Bermuda now also to our sister British Overseas Territory neighbour Anguilla.”
The launch of AnguillAir is closely coordinated with infrastructure developments on the island. The government of Anguilla recently opened a new terminal at Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport on December 15, 2025, specifically to handle increased capacity and direct jet service.
According to local officials, the government has provided support for the route, including a seat guarantee reported to cover up to 7,000 seats to mitigate the airline’s risk. Jose Vanterpool, Anguilla’s Minister of Infrastructure, highlighted the economic implications of the new service: “The reopening of the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport marks a pivotal moment for Anguilla’s economic future. Our agreement with BermudAir to launch nonstop service from the U.S. Northeast is a crucial first step.”
The creation of AnguillAir represents a shrewd operational pivot for BermudAir. Launched in 2023 to serve the business and premium leisure market in Bermuda, the airlines faces significant seasonality issues, with demand for Bermuda dropping during the winter months. By deploying its aircraft to Anguilla, a warm-weather destination with peak demand from December to April, BermudAir can maximize fleet utilization without acquiring new assets.
We observe that this “pan-Caribbean” approach allows the carrier to act as a flexible capacity provider for British Overseas Territories, leveraging its existing regulatory standing and premium cabin configuration to serve niche, high-yield markets that major U.S. carriers may overlook.
Is AnguillAir a separate airline? What aircraft are used for these flights? Are these flights year-round? Do I need to take a ferry if I fly AnguillAir? Sources: Travel Weekly, BermudAir.
AnguillAir Launches Historic Direct Service from U.S. Northeast to Anguilla
Operational Details and Schedule
Addressing the “Access Issue”
Strategic Context and Infrastructure
AirPro News Analysis: BermudAir’s Counter-Seasonal Pivot
Frequently Asked Questions
No. AnguillAir is a brand name. All flights are operated by BermudAir using BermudAir aircraft and crew.
The routes utilize Embraer E175 and E190 regional jets.
No, the service is seasonal. Flights from Boston, Newark, and Baltimore operate from mid-December 2025 through April 2026.
No. These flights land directly at Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) in Anguilla.
Photo Credit: Government of Anguilla
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