Richmond's airport wants to move from two security checkpoints to one. Here's what it will look like
At the most recent meeting of the Capital Region Airport Commission, board members were shown renderings of what a major future renovation could look like at Richmond International Airport.
The airport was given a $2.25 million grant last year from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to look into consolidating the airport's two security checkpoints into one.
That would allow the atrium area, which is currently used for members of the public waiting for passengers to land, to transform into a pre-flight dining and concessions space.
The project is still a ways away. Funding must be secured, and construction would be estimated to take two years.
“The Consolidated Security Screening Checkpoint is among the most transformative projects in RIC’s history,” commission CEO Perry J. Miller wrote in a press release. “As we continue to grow, enhancing the customer experience with a streamlined, efficient checkpoint is one of our highest priorities. This project will not only improve security and convenience for travelers, but also create the foundation for future improvements across the airport.”
Passenger traffic is up year-over-year at RIC, with 453,936 travelers moving through the airport in October. There has been a 4.5% increase in travelers so far this fiscal year.
A flight to Europe?
The airport's other major goal is reestablishing its international service with a direct flight from Richmond to Europe.
Carriers like British Airways are in high demand, and generally require unproven cities to provide financial subsidies or guarantees before entering a new market.
“As we meet with leaders of big organizations, we plan to communicate the plan to raise $20 million for this effort," Miller said, according to the Henrico Citizen. "That is the risk mitigation required to give international service here a minimum annual guarantee.”
The airport's only international flight at the moment is to Bermuda, but there are currently no dates available for that flight past January of 2026.
Contact Michael Phillips at mphillips@richmonder.org.
