Major Facility Expansion Program Planned for Fresno Yosemite International Airport

Moving the Airport into the future 

Fresno, CA (January 31, 2019) – Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) today announced plans that will ensure the airport continues its course to accommodate the growing demand of California’s Central Valley. In order to support demand and serve as a viable global transportation gateway and a resource to the region’s vibrant economy, the Airport is embarking on the largest facility expansion in its history. Branded FATforward, the multi-year, multi-phased program includes $115 million in parking and terminal expansions, which will also enhance the airport experience for travelers and guests.

“FATforward is a significant and necessary undertaking for the Airport as the facility is simply bursting at the seams and in need of increased capacity to support current and future domestic and international air travel,” said Director of Aviation Kevin Meikle. “The expansion program will provide a world-class transportation facility capable of meeting the demands of the region and serve as a convenient, friendly airport with the best traveler amenities for years to come.”

The FATforward expansion program will include the following components:

• Construction of a three-level parking garage with a total of 900 covered stalls
• Enhanced parking options such as covered and economy parking
• New International Arrivals facility to accommodate the growing volume of passenger arrivals
• Expanded outbound baggage facilities for increased capacity
• Expanded security checkpoint to support efficient passenger screening and equipment
• New upper level concourse in the existing terminal with two dual-use passenger bridges to facilitate domestic and international boarding
• Added tenant operations and concession space

The recently completed Fresno Yosemite International Airport Master Plan Update confirmed the need for expansion based on current and forecasted passenger growth. Since the Great Recession the Airport has experienced 45 percent growth in passenger traffic and each year continues to outpace prior years.

FATforward construction is expected to begin in early 2021, following environmental studies and design, with the new facilities operational by the fall of 2022. The expansion program, which will be funded by Airport revenue sources, is anticipated to generate 1,220 direct, induced and indirect jobs and $182 million in economic activity.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport – Fresno Yosemite International Airport currently offers Valley passengers daily nonstop flights to Chicago (Returns March 31, 2019), Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Guadalajara and Morelia, Mexico on domestic and international carriers. Fresno Yosemite International Airport is a municipally owned entity operating as a self-supporting enterprise. No City of Fresno general funds are used to operate Fresno Yosemite International Airport or Fresno Chandler Executive Airport.

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