Hensel Phelps Wins $700M Boise Airport Upgrade

Hensel Phelps has been selected to lead a major $700 million expansion and improvement project at Boise Airport, a critical upgrade designed to keep pace with the region’s rapid growth in air travel.

The Boise City Council approved the construction manager/general contractor (CM/GC) contract—also known as a construction manager at risk (CMAR) delivery method—at its Aug. 19 meeting, according to a Sept. 3 news release. The contract sets a not-to-exceed value of $700 million for work scheduled through 2029.

Project Scope and Goals

Improvements to the joint civil and military airport will be extensive. The project includes:

• Construction of Concourse A, with up to 10 new gates to accommodate passenger growth and future air service demand.
• Installation of an expanded back-of-house baggage handling system to streamline luggage flow.
• A central utility plant to support the airport’s growing infrastructure.
• Two phases of terminal enhancements to improve passenger circulation and increase overall capacity.

These upgrades are part of the broader BOI Upgrade capital development program, a long-term plan designed to expand Boise Airport’s facilities to meet the needs of the Treasure Valley region and beyond.

Rising Passenger Demand

The improvements come at a time of surging traffic through Boise Airport. Since 2014, passenger volumes have climbed 81%, reaching nearly 5 million travelers in 2024. The city noted that traffic during the first half of 2025 has already surpassed last year’s record-setting numbers, signaling the urgency of new gates and facilities.

Why CM/GC Delivery Method

The city opted for the CM/GC method to allow for flexibility, collaboration, and greater cost certainty. The approach has gained popularity across the U.S. for complex infrastructure projects, particularly when timelines are tight and design-build coordination is critical.

Hensel Phelps’ Airport Expertise

For Hensel Phelps, the Boise project adds to a growing portfolio of large-scale airport contracts. In 2025 alone, the contractor has been awarded major jobs including:

• The $2 billion John Glenn International Airport project in Columbus, Ohio.
• The $1.5 billion Tampa International Airport Airside D project in Tampa, Florida.
• A $1.5 billion Concourse A rework at Nashville International Airport in Tennessee.

This track record demonstrates the company’s experience in handling complex aviation infrastructure, ensuring that the Boise project will benefit from lessons learned on other multi-billion-dollar jobs.

Regional and Economic Impact

Boise Airport plays a dual role as both a commercial travel hub and a key military facility. The Concourse A expansion and terminal improvements will help attract additional airlines, provide more direct flight options, and support the region’s booming economy.

City officials emphasized that the upgrades are not just about meeting demand but also about preparing Boise for future growth. By investing in modernized infrastructure now, the airport is positioning itself to remain competitive as the Treasure Valley continues to expand.

The full program is expected to be completed by 2029, though incremental improvements will begin benefiting passengers well before then.

Originally reported by Matthew Thibault in Construction Dive.