Jackson Airport Board Selects Team for Terminal Overhaul

The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority approved a development team to consolidate terminals and update infrastructure.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Air Travel

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a modern airport concourse interior with exposed architectural steel frames and large, clean windows. — The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority has approved a development team to consolidate terminal facilities, aiming to streamline operations and modernize aging infrastructure. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Is now a good time for your local airport to start a major, costly terminal overhaul?

The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority has selected a development team composed of CAG Holdings, Yates Construction, and Gensler for a major terminal overhaul. The project will consolidate the facility's existing concourses into a single, unified terminal design.

Why it matters

The project aims to modernize the aging split-concourse layout, which requires more gates than necessary for current aircraft sizes. By demolishing the west concourse and streamlining operations, the airport expects to reduce long-term utility and maintenance expenses.

The airport currently operates with nine gates and handles roughly 60% of all Mississippi flight passengers. The approved plan includes a predevelopment cost cap of $16.3 million, with an initial design phase budget of $6.6 million.

The players

Jackson Municipal Airport Authority

This is the governing body responsible for the operations and infrastructure management of the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport.

CAG Holdings

This firm was selected as part of the development team tasked with the design and construction overhaul of the airport.

Yates Construction

This is an engineering and construction firm chosen to participate in the terminal modernization project.

Gensler

This global architecture and planning firm will lead design efforts for the terminal consolidation project.

The details

The redesign consolidates two concourses into one, featuring a single, centralized security checkpoint. The plan includes the demolition of the existing west concourse and aims to adjust the gate capacity to six or seven modern gates.

October 26, 2026: The JMAA board selected the development team.
Before the end of 2026: Airport officials plan to hire a program manager.

Travel Outlook

This project aligns with the national trend of airport modernization spurred by initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's Airport Terminal Program. It reflects a shift toward consolidating older, inefficient concourses to better accommodate modern aircraft demand.

Travelers should monitor future updates regarding potential construction impacts to security checkpoints and gate access at Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport. Long-term improvements are expected to increase operational efficiency, though design and construction phases may alter passenger flow.

The takeaway

Consolidating terminals allows regional airports to better align their infrastructure with the size and efficiency requirements of modern aircraft fleets. Residents and frequent flyers should expect updates on the project timeline as the design phases conclude in the coming months.

What happens next

Airport officials are working to hire a program manager by the end of 2026 to oversee the project's progression before reaching a guaranteed maximum price for construction.