Tour the Tri-Cities’ swank new airport Friday, or buy a ticket later

The Port of Pasco will show off the results of its $41.9 million upgrade to the Tri-Cities Airport on Friday, with a formal dedication and limited public tours.

The project doubled the size of the airport and created a soaring terminal zone that will officially go into service on Jan. 31.

Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., will give the keynote speech at a dedication at 11 a.m. at the airport, 3601 N. 20th Ave. State Sen. Sharon Brown, R-Kennewick, also is scheduled to attend.

The public can get a sneak peak at the new terminal during tours from 3 to 5 p.m. Reservations are encouraged, though last-minute arrivals will be accommodated. Tours will leave every five minutes. Call 509-547-3378 for information.

The upgrades include a new ticketing area for passengers, as well as baggage screening area. The new five-gate terminal is the showpiece of the project.

Travelers enter at a central area called the gallery, featuring seating and dining. The gates are spread to either side, and most of the terminal overlooks the runway through floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall glass.

The terminal is a secured zone and once it goes live next week, it will be off-limits to all but ticketed passengers and authorized airport personnel.

The upgrades are designed to accommodate growing passenger demand. The airport recorded 339,306 boardings for the year through November, up 8 percent over the prior year.

Bouten Construction is the primary contractor.

This story was originally published January 24, 2017 at 5:06 PM with the headline "Tour the Tri-Cities’ swank new airport Friday, or buy a ticket later."