Medford Airport to Start $140 Million Expansion
Early construction on the Rogue Valley International Medford Airport terminal project is set to begin in January 2027.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Air Travel
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Rogue Valley International Medford Airport is planning a $140 million expansion project, with early construction scheduled to begin in January 2027. The airport recorded a record 1.1 million passengers last year, and the project will nearly double the building's square footage.
Why it matters
The expansion is designed to handle the airport's growing passenger volume by increasing capacity for large planes from three to seven and enlarging baggage claim. The project is funded through airport funds and grants, with no taxpayer money used.
The project carries a $140 million price tag, with capacity for large planes rising from three to seven gates. The single baggage carousel will be replaced by two new units, and the timeline beyond early work remains an airport goal rather than a fixed commitment.
The players
Rogue Valley International Medford Airport
The regional airport serving the Medford, Oregon area is leading the $140 million expansion of its terminal.
The details
Gates five and six will be replaced by a terminal extension reaching out toward the tower, and passengers will board aircraft from inside the building rather than walking out to ground board. Schematic design for phase 1 is complete and the project has moved into design development.
Timeline
Last year: airport recorded a record 1.1 million passengers.
January 2027: early construction work is scheduled to begin after the holidays.
Fall 2027: major construction is scheduled to start.
End of 2029: the airport hopes to complete phase 1.
Capacity Trajectory
The expansion follows the airport's record 1.1 million passengers last year, moving the facility from its current limits toward capacity for seven large-plane gates. It positions the airport to absorb continued passenger growth on its own funding, without taxpayer money.
Travelers using Medford's airport should expect construction activity beginning in early 2027 and ramping up in fall 2027. The added baggage carousels and gate capacity are designed to reduce crowding as passenger volume continues to grow.
The takeaway
Medford's airport is expanding on its own funds to keep pace with a record year of travel, so passengers should plan around construction beginning in early 2027. The project's gate and baggage upgrades signal that growth at regional airports is being met with direct investment in capacity.
What happens next
Early construction work is set to begin in January 2027, with major construction starting in fall 2027.
Further reading
For broader context on airport growth and terminal planning, explore Air Travel coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KDRV - TV.
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