Airport Magazine

A Letter from the Chair: Rebecca Hupp, A.A.E.

Rebecca Hupp, A.A.E. — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:16:33 GMT

OVER THE PAST YEAR, IT HAS BEEN A TREMENDOUS honor to serve as chair of the American Association of Airport Executives. When I began this journey, I spoke about leadership as service — about the responsibility we share not only to manage airports, but to strengthen the communities and people who rely on them every day. Throughout my term, I aspired to exemplify that philosophy, approaching this role with a focus on service to others, building teams, giving back to our industry and supporting the collective success of our members. As my term comes to a close at the Annual Conference & Exposition in Los Angeles, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside such an extraordinary community of professionals who embody that same spirit of service in everything they do.

Upfront - April/May 2026

��ԭ�� Staff — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:15:54 GMT

Miami International Unveils Plans for $1B Concourse D Expansion

MIA

Miami-Dade County and American Airlines have unveiled plans to expand Miami International’s Concourse D,
adding 17 new aircraft gates and adjoining passenger boarding areas, additional dining and shopping options and an enhanced baggage handling system by the year 2030. Scheduled to break ground in 2027, the $1 billion, three-level extension will convert the existing Gate D60 area, which currently has one common boarding space and 17 ground level gates for smaller regional jets, into 17 traditional contact gates for larger regional and narrowbody aircraft. All 17 gate areas will provide third-level connections to Concourse D’s CBP facility for international arrivals.

Terminal Trends - April/May 2026

��ԭ�� Staff — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:15:40 GMT

Orlando International Board Approves $4.5M to Expand Terminal C Landside Moving Walkways

MCO

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Board has approved additional investments for Orlando International. Among the new investments is the authorization of $4.5 million to expand the length of moving walkways connecting Terminal C to the Train Station facility and the soon-to-open Terminal C Rental Car Lobby. Expanded walkways will improve passenger comfort and efficiency along what will become one of Terminal C’s most heavily-used pedestrian corridors, according to GOAA.

Flavors & Finds - April/May 2026

��ԭ�� Staff — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:15:23 GMT

Two New Local Restaurants Open at JFK Terminal 4

JFK

Two new local dining options are now open at John F. Kennedy International’s (JFK) Terminal 4 — Villa Russo Café and Brooklyn Tea & Market. Villa Russo is a Queens-based graduate of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANYNJ) specialized training program intended to increase the number of local and diverse
businesses that are part of the concessions program at JFK. The café was founded in 1954 as a pizzeria led by Italian immigrants that has evolved into one of Queens’ most respected event and catering venues. Brooklyn Tea & Market is both the first-ever tea-focused retail concept at JFK as well as the first Black-owned tea brand to
operate in any airport nationwide.

How Do You Welcome the World?

cassie.schmid@phl.org (Cassie Schmid) — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:15:04 GMT

2026 is a pivotal year for Philadelphia, as host to America’s 250th birthday celebration and A-list sporting events, including FIFA World Cup matches, MLB All-Star Week, the PGA Championship and more. Millions of travelers are expected, and with them comes an incredible opportunity to showcase what makes Philadelphia special, generate significant economic gains and, ideally, inspire repeat visits.

Q&A With the Airport Director: John Ackerman

��ԭ�� Staff — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:14:35 GMT

John Ackerman is CEO of Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and has oversight of Los Angeles International (LAX) and Van Nuys (VNY) airports. He has more than 30 years of experience in the aviation industry. He most recently served as executive vice president of global strategy and development for Dallas Fort Worth International. He is also a trained pilot and veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Commentary: Airports Must Monetize Their Assets to Fund Infrastructure Needs

carlos.ozores@paconsulting.com (Carlos Ozores) — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:14:14 GMT

As the nation’s airports try to keep pace with growth in air travel, they confront a daunting challenge: How to maintain, modernize and expand their facilities to meet growing passenger, air cargo and business aviation demand at a time when they face a funding cliff.

The ��ԭ�� Student Network: Preparing the Next Generation of Airport Leaders

phirst1@kent.edu (Philip Hirst) — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:13:46 GMT

As airport leaders and industry stakeholders gather for the 98th Annual ��ԭ�� Conference & Exposition, one of the clearest glimpses into the future of our profession is the growing momentum of the ��ԭ�� Student Network, also known as the Student Chapter Program

Flavors & Finds

��ԭ�� Staff — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 18:35:22 GMT

Local Brewery Opens at Albuquerque International Sunport

ABQ

Local restaurant Steel Bender Brewyard is now open at the Albuquerque International Sunport. The Los Ranchos, N.M. based family-owned brewery earned a bronze medal at the 2024 Best of Craft Beer Award. Steel Bender’s Sunport location will offer a rotating tap list featuring some of the brewery’s most popular selections.

Terminal Trends

��ԭ�� Staff — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 18:35:15 GMT

Orlando International to Replace, Modernize Gate Link System

MCO

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority has begun work on a $253 million project to replace Orlando International’s aging Gate Link tram system serving Gates 70 to 129. The project, which will continue through fall 2027, will replace the Gate Link with state-of-the-art technology and new tram vehicles. The overhaul, to be done in phases, will introduce four brand-new Gate Link vehicles connecting passengers between Terminals A and B to gates on Airside 2 and Airside 4. Crews will also upgrade the entire supporting infrastructure, from running surfaces and operating systems to power distribution, vehicle controls, communication networks and platform screen doors.