Blue Grass Airport completes first phase of a $500 million development program
The long-term parking expansion at Lexington’s airport has been completed in time for peak summer travel, airport officials announced Wednesday.
The addition of 815 parking spaces and completion of other road infrastructure improvements at Blue Grass Airport is in response to increasing passenger volume and is just one part of its multiphase development project taking place over the next five years.
“Every improvement we make is centered on our passengers and preserving the airport experience they know and appreciate,” said Blue Grass Airport President and CEO Eric Frankl in a news release. “These parking enhancements provide greater convenience, easier access to the terminal and more flexibility for travelers and their families.”
In addition to the approximately $17 million parking expansion, the airport has also completed a reconfiguration of the Terminal Drive loop, construction of a second covered walkway to the terminal and the creation of a new exit plaza with an additional exit lane to accommodate more passengers during peak arrival times.
The airport has installed two emergency call stations in passenger parking areas and constructed a new employee parking lot and underground utility corridor.
The parking improvements are the first phase of Future LEX, the airport’s $500 million, five year development program which will result in a new concourse with eight gates, expanded dining and retail options, and an upgraded baggage claim area.
The program will use state and local money to create space needed to support future growth and meet demand while minimizing travel disruption. Relocation of the Aviation Museum of Kentucky, rental car facility and the air traffic control tower must happen before the airport can begin expanding its terminal.
Last year, the Blue Grass Airport set a new record for passengers, surpassing the record it set in 2024 by nearly 3%. In 2025, the airport saw over 1.6 million passengers, compared to about 1.57 million in 2024.
Growth in passengers was attributed to new flights, including a non-stop trip to New York City and expanded offerings to Florida-based destinations. The airport has also expanded service to other destinations this year by increasing seat capacity on its non-stop flights to Denver and bringing back a seasonal direct flight to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport.
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