LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Muhammad Ali International Airport is spending $45 million on a security checkpoint expansion project, with $31 million coming from federal funding.
What You Need To Know
- The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport is spending $45 million to expand its security checkpoint
- There will be as many as 10 additional TSA lanes
- More than two-thirds comes from federal funding
- Expansion is expected to be fully operational by late 2026
SDF held a "ground turning" ceremony Thursday with remarks from U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and newly re-elected Congressman Morgan McGarvey, D-Louisville. McConnell gave credit to the previously passed bi-partisan infrastructure bill.
“Morgan and I both supported (a) classic bi-partisan agreement, which, I think if you watch TV or listen to all the commercials, you’d think never happened,” McConnell said.
"This is a huge milestone," McGarvey said of the expansion. "I am thrilled, as a lifelong Louisvillian, that Louisville continues to become a destination for people. And people come here, in part, because of our amazing hospitality."
The expanded security checkpoint will cover 30,000 square feet and feature up to 10 lanes, increasing screening capacity by as much as 60%. Mayor Craig Greenberg, D-Louisville, it’s a much-needed addition for one of the fastest-growing airports in the U.S.
“My view is when we have great announcements like this and when folks see the great work that’s being done and how we can get projects done here in Louisville, we are just getting started,” Greenberg said.
According to SDF, the Transportation Security Administration screened 2.58 million individuals at the airport in 2023 and recorded its busiest year ever.
In addition to the federal support, Kentucky’s General Assembly kicked in $5 million through House Bill 1. SDF leadership estimated the expanded security area will be fully operational by late 2026.