Reno Airport Adds Outdoor Ground Boarding Gates
Three temporary gates let passengers walk outside to board aircraft while new concourses are built next to the current terminal.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Air Travel
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Reno-Tahoe International Airport has added temporary outdoor ground boarding at gates C-13-A, C-13-B, and B-12-A. The gates are not assigned to a specific airline, and the outdoor pathways are covered.
Why it matters
The temporary gates are designed to keep flights moving while Concourse A and Concourse B are constructed alongside the current facilities. Travelers using the Reno-Tahoe airport will experience a different boarding process during the construction period.
The airport reports three temporary ground boarding gates, with the configuration expected to remain in use for about two years. The source does not provide data on boarding times or capacity compared with standard gates.
The players
Reno-Tahoe International Airport
The airport serving Reno, Nevada and the Lake Tahoe region, which operates the terminal and gates where the temporary boarding has been added.
The details
Passengers at gates C-13-A, C-13-B, and B-12-A walk outside for part of the boarding process before entering the aircraft. All three gates are ramped and accessible for passengers using wheelchairs, strollers, or rolling luggage, and those needing mobility assistance can request it through their airline at no cost.
Timeline
Currently in use as of November 10, 2026, at gates C-13-A, C-13-B, and B-12-A.
Temporary gates are expected to remain in use for about two years.
Concourse A is expected to open in 2028.
Concourse B is expected to open in 2029.
Seasonal Patterns
Phased concourse expansion at airports typically requires temporary gate configurations to keep flights operating during construction. Reno-Tahoe's temporary outdoor boarding follows this pattern while its new Concourse A and Concourse B are built next to the existing terminal.
Travelers departing from Reno-Tahoe should allow time for the outdoor walk to the aircraft at the three temporary gates and check their boarding pass and airport signs. Passengers needing mobility assistance can request it through their airline at no cost.
The takeaway
Travelers should expect a different boarding experience at Reno-Tahoe for roughly two years while construction proceeds. Checking boarding passes and airport signage before departure will help avoid confusion at the temporary gates.
What happens next
Concourse A is expected to open in 2028 and Concourse B in 2029, which will change the gate configuration once complete.
Further reading
For broader context on airport operations, see Air Travel coverage on Wisevoter.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Reno News.
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