Overview
- Crews are conducting a timed overnight changeover with the last bags on old belts around 9:30 p.m., final passengers through the old landside terminal near 12:20 a.m., the tram deactivated before morning, and new roadways opened.
- The first departure from the new terminal is a 5:30 a.m. Southwest flight to Denver, and officials ask travelers not to arrive before 2:30 a.m. to ensure the new access routes are open.
- Key upgrades include 12 security lanes (up from a combined seven) with new screening equipment, a baggage system that shortens luggage travel by about three miles, and the removal of the landside–airside tram.
- Airport leaders prepared with two large dress rehearsals involving more than 2,000 participants and forecast 20,000–25,000 people passing through on opening day.
- The old terminal closes after the overnight switchover, and the airport authority is in talks with developers about potential reuse of the building.