Construction progress is reshaping the future of Memphis International Airport (MEM) as the Terminal Modernization and Seismic Program (TMSP) moves ahead with ambitious upgrades. Spearheaded by the TAC joint venture — Turner Construction Company, Ardmore Roderick, and Chris Woods Construction — the sweeping program represents MEM’s largest capital investment ever, with more than $700 million dedicated to modernizing the airport’s infrastructure, boosting seismic resilience, and elevating the travel experience for millions of passengers.

For travelers and the region alike, the scale of the work is transformative. With air travel demands increasing and safety standards evolving, the TMSP is designed to deliver a terminal that is not only more resilient but also more convenient, intuitive, and connected.

One of the biggest milestones so far this year is the demolition of Concourse A, which started in early July 2025. This critical step clears space for new infrastructure that will form the backbone of MEM’s next generation. The demolition project is scheduled to finish by early 2026, paving the way for upcoming construction phases that will reshape how travelers move through the terminal.

Beneath the airport’s footprint, crews are tackling seismic safety head-on with the infill of the transit tunnel under the terminal. The tunnel, once a vital corridor for underground transit, is now being filled with cellular concrete — a modern, lightweight material that provides essential structural support and enhances the airport’s ability to withstand seismic activity. Once this work is complete, the space will meet modern seismic standards and support future improvements to above-ground areas, including the relocation of groundwater pumps for better sustainability and maintenance.

Passenger access improvements are already making an impact. In June, MEM reopened its departures-level inner drive and the B crosswalk, easing congestion and creating safer, more efficient traffic flows for drop-offs and pick-ups. On the baggage claim level, construction continues on the new commercial ground transportation lane inside the short-term parking garage. This updated lane will streamline access for taxis, shuttles, limousines, and rideshare services, creating a smoother curbside experience for travelers.

Once this new lane is operational, the airport will launch the outer commercial drive replacement project — a major two-year effort to expand the departures-level curb, improving circulation and supporting MEM’s long-term traffic needs.

While early phases center on enabling infrastructure, the centerpiece of TMSP is the complete modernization of MEM’s main terminal. Slated to begin in 2027 and finish by 2030, the terminal overhaul will deliver larger baggage and ticketing areas to ease congestion, relocate and expand the TSA security checkpoint for faster screening, and reconfigure escalators and stairs for simpler wayfinding. Seismic retrofits will strengthen the terminal’s resilience while preserving the iconic mid-century architecture that has defined MEM for decades.

To support these upgrades, the airport’s new administration and Checked Baggage Inspection System (CBIS) building is in final design. Renderings unveiled in June by design partner Alliiance show a contemporary structure with clean lines, modern finishes, and light-filled spaces. Construction on the new building is expected to begin this fall once Concourse A’s demolition wraps up.

Meanwhile, MEM’s parking system is evolving alongside the terminal work. In late 2024, the airport opened an additional 800 spaces in its yellow lot. New parking ticketing and payment technology, license plate recognition (LPR) cameras, and advanced parking guidance are helping travelers park securely, find spaces faster, and exit more easily. Soon, passengers will also be able to check real-time parking availability, make online reservations, and get guided directions to open spaces via MEM’s website, creating a more seamless start and end to every journey.

Together, these investments mark a turning point for Memphis International Airport. The modernization program reflects a shared vision between the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority, the TAC joint venture, and their partners to build an airport that is resilient, efficient, and welcoming for decades to come.

The TAC team’s leadership ensures that every milestone is delivered with precision and purpose, reinforcing MEM’s role as a vital hub for Memphis and the broader region. By expanding capacity, improving safety, and enhancing the passenger experience, the TMSP is positioning Memphis International Airport as a modern gateway ready to connect travelers to the world — safely, smoothly, and sustainably.

Originally reported by Turner Construction Company.