On Thursday, May 2, Mobile Airport Authority announced construction crews have set the first structural steel beam for what will eventually become Mobile International Airport's (BFM) new terminal and parking garage.

Construction started roughly 18 months ago, since then having relocated tenants, enclosed a creek on-site, removed a wash rack and undergone routine utility work, according to the airport's press release. The new terminal and garage are set to open in November 2025, which will then shift all commercial air service from Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) to Mobile International Airport, located near the Port of Mobile just minutes from downtown Mobile and Baldwin counties.

“This milestone marks a critical phase of construction, as vertical development makes the project visibly progress,” Mobile Airport Authority President Chris Curry said, via the release. “Seeing the structure rise from the ground is a promising sign for our community that this project is really moving forward.”

The parking garage will provide 1,250 spaces, while the terminal will host five gates (four domestic and one international swing gate), with the ability to expand to 12 gates if demand increases. Once this project is completed, the existing low-cost terminal will continue its operations with two gates for added capacity.

“This project is transformational not only for Mobile, but for Baldwin County as well,” Curry added. “It will allow us to relocate commercial service and take advantage of our local infrastructure — highways, rail, the port and waterways. This will make travel more convenient for the entire region’s customer base.”