$37M Project Underway at Long Beach Airport Ahead of 2028 Olympics

KEY POINTS

• Long Beach Airport has begun a $37 million Passenger Concourse Enhancement Project to modernize post-security facilities ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

• Scope includes remodeling 11 gate areas, new open-air gardens, seating with charging stations, and mechanical, electrical and plumbing system overhauls. PCL Construction Services holds the $28 million construction contract.

• The project will create approximately 190 construction jobs and is scheduled for completion by summer 2027.

Construction has started on a $37 million project to modernize and upgrade passenger facilities and improve critical infrastructure at Long Beach Airport (LGB) in southern California.

The Passenger Concourse Enhancement Project will update the post-security concourse area while preserving the relaxed indoor-outdoor atmosphere which is a hallmark of the facility.

What Does the Passenger Concourse Enhancement Project Include?

Other work includes remodeled gates, upgraded seating with charging stations, new open-air gardens and infrastructure work such as upgrades to mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems as well as the replacement of aging air-conditioning components and the modernization of restroom facilities.

A backup generator is also set to be installed to strengthen operational resilience during airport power interruptions.

There will be a heavy emphasis on sustainability, with LED lighting and recycling measures.

The project, funded primarily by federal grants, is expected to create nearly 200 construction jobs.

The plan is to have the construction work completed by next summer - a year before visitors begin arriving for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in nearby Los Angeles.

However, according to city officials, the project is about much more than esthetics for the upcoming Olympics. The upgrades are deemed necessary to address aging systems that have been serving travelers since the concourse opened in 2012.

Among the most significant upgrades will be the remodeling of all 11 gate areas, updated queuing configurations and improved seating layouts designed to ease passenger circulation. Travelers will also see new flooring, upgraded gate podiums, expanded flight information displays and enhanced wayfinding signage intended to improve navigation through the terminal.

Passenger comfort is another key component. Existing seating will be replaced with modern furniture equipped with charging stations and additional electrical outlets, addressing growing demand from travelers who rely on mobile devices while waiting for flights.

Airport officials are also emphasizing the facility’s signature outdoor experience. New open-air garden spaces will be created adjacent to the north and south concourses, expanding on the airport’s existing landscaped areas. Improvements to the existing central garden courtyard will include additional seating, canopies, lighting and public announcement systems.

What Are the Sustainability Goals?

The project is being built on a LEED Silver foundation and incorporates several environmental measures intended to reduce energy consumption and waste. All lighting within the concourse will be converted to energy-efficient LED fixtures, reducing electricity demand and long-term operating costs.

Construction teams will also be required to recycle or reuse at least 95 percent of construction debris generated during the project, diverting significant amounts of material from landfills.

Additional sustainability benefits will come from the upgraded mechanical systems that are expected to improve overall energy performance while enhancing passenger comfort.

The project will also add a new Service Animal Relief Area and extend the airport’s exterior pedestrian canopy.

How Is the Project Being Funded?

The construction contract, valued at approximately $28 million, was awarded to PCL Construction Services Inc. following a competitive procurement process approved by Long Beach City Council in October 2025.

More than $24 million of the total project cost is being funded through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Infrastructure Grant Program, created under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The remaining funding will come from airport revenues, with no local tax dollars being used.

Beyond the physical improvements, the project is expected to generate a significant economic boost.

How Many Jobs Will the Project Create?

Officials estimate the work will create approximately 190 construction jobs, providing employment opportunities across a range of trades and supporting the regional economy during the multi-year construction period.

The investment builds on the already substantial economic impact of the Long Beach Airport complex, which city officials estimate generates approximately $9 billion annually in economic output and supports roughly 42,000 jobs throughout the region.

What Does the 2028 Olympics Mean for the Timeline?

For Long Beach officials, the timing of the airport work is critical as the airport is expected to serve as one of Southern California’s gateways during the 2028 Olympics. They anticipate construction fencing will come down in 2027.

No impacts to commercial flights are expected and gate access will be accommodated during construction.

Former Long Beach mayor and current Congressman Robert Garcia, who advocated for the federal funding, said in a statement the project will deliver benefits that extend well beyond the airport itself.

“This investment will modernize our airport to make it more sustainable, safer and efficient for years to come. It will improve the travel experience, support businesses and create good jobs for our community.”

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