The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) is pleased to announce that Bradley International Airport (BDL) has reached a major milestone as part of the ongoing terminal expansion that has been underway since March 2023. The final element of construction, a brand-new concourse, is now complete, with passengers slated to begin using it in the coming weeks. The soon-to-be-unveiled concourse is an extension of the existing terminal (Terminal A) and part of an 80,000-square-foot facility directly behind the Sheraton Hotel. The new concourse includes: Just below the new concourse, and also part of the new 80,000-square-foot facility, is BDL’s new inline baggage screening system, which opened in fall 2025 and houses the airport’s explosive detection machines. A mile-long conveyor belt carries the estimated two million checked bags the airport screens annually from the airline ticket counters directly to the new screening facility. The explosive detection machines, once located in the airport lobby, have since been removed – freeing up ticket counter space for existing and potential new airlines. “A strong transportation system that includes an easily accessible, robust airport is key to a state’s economic success and its ability to strengthen businesses and grow jobs,” said Governor Lamont. “Bradley has been recognized as one of the best and most convenient airports in the United States, and these improvements will only increase its reputation. I am very proud that we've been able to make these infrastructure improvements at Connecticut’s flagship airport.” “The opening of Bradley International Airport’s inline baggage screening facility, and now the new concourse space serves as a capstone for the recent customer service enhancements we have unveiled since last summer,” said CAA Executive Director and CEO Michael W. Shea. “All of these projects position Bradley for future growth and will better serve our growing passenger base. We are extremely proud to showcase them to our passengers, local community, and Connecticut visitors.” “We extend our gratitude to everyone who’s helped make these enhancements a reality,” said CAA Board Chair Tony Sheridan. “Particularly, we thank the CAA team for their diligence with the magnitude of projects, Governor Lamont and the Connecticut congressional delegation for helping to secure federal funding for these modernization efforts, and Bradley International Airport’s passengers for their patience as they’ve navigated the construction changes over the last couple of years.” In addition to the inline baggage screening facility, two new exit corridors were added to the east and west sides of the main terminal, adjacent to each of the two concourses, which opened in 2025. The new exit corridors provide faster and more direct access to airline baggage claims, car rentals, ground transportation, and shuttles in BDL’s arrivals level. They also include two new meet-and-greet areas, complete with seating and access to arrival monitors. The center exit lane that passengers have been using for years near the main TSA security checkpoint is now permanently closed and was reconfigured to expand the security checkpoint by allowing for additional screening lanes and queuing space for passengers waiting to be screened. The total cost for both construction projects is approximately $250 million. The CAA secured approximately $120 million in funding for these projects with the help of Connecticut’s congressional delegation from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The additional funding for the construction comes from passenger facility charges and the CAA’s airport revenue. No state taxpayer funds are being used to pay for these projects. Ahead of the concourse’s official opening, a ceremonial ribbon-cutting was held today to celebrate the milestone and the impending unveiling to Bradley International Airport passengers and the community. ### About Bradley International Airport Bradley International Airport (BDL) is the largest airport in Connecticut and the second largest in New England. Recognized nationally by leading travel publications for its ease of travel, BDL currently offers nonstop flights to more than 40 destinations on 9 different airlines. BDL also offers a range of services for the inclusiveness of all travelers and boasts award-winning concessions. BDL is operated by the Connecticut Airport Authority, and its operations are entirely self-funded. The airport contributes nearly $3.6 billion to the regional economy. For more information, visit www.bradleyairport.com. About The Connecticut Airport Authority The CAA was established in 2011 to develop, improve, and operate Bradley International Airport and the state’s five general aviation airports (Danielson, Groton-New London, Hartford-Brainard, Waterbury-Oxford, and Windham). The CAA Board consists of 11 members with a broad spectrum of experience in aviation-related and other industries, as well as government. The goal of the CAA is to make Connecticut’s airports more attractive to new airlines, bring in new routes, and support Connecticut’s overall economic development and growth strategy. For more info, visit www.ctairports.org.
Bradley International Airport Caps Off Terminal Expansion with Unveiling of Newly Constructed Concourse
New concourse will add three gates to BDL, offer modern customer service amenities.
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