Completed Projects

This new, state-of-the-art Airport Operations Command Center at SDF serves as the airport’s nerve center and communications hub around the clock, allowing staff to monitor and respond to any operational aspect at any time. From the Command Center, the Operations Department oversees airfield and facility activity to ensure the safety of all cargo and airline partners as well as the traveling public. This space is comprised of the Command Center, Badging Office and Training Room.

Investment: $19.2 million

The new Rental Car Facility at SDF is conveniently located on Level 1 of the parking garage, allowing rental car companies operating at the airport to provide easily accessible covered parking with premium, grab-and-go services to their customers. Nine rental brands currently serve SDF.

Investment: $30 million

SDF is home to the largest geothermal system of any airport in the country, by using the Earth’s natural temperature to heat and cool the terminal. The wellfield includes 648 vertical wells, each drilled 500 feet deep that result in annual savings of $400,000 with also reducing carbon emissions by 80%. Once completed, the nine-acre wellfield was transformed into additional ramp space to support SDF’s airline partners.

Investment: $21.7 million

Leading the way in innovation, SDF celebrated in October 2023, when the new, geothermal technology was live in the pre-security portion of the terminal. Compared to a traditional HVAC system, geothermal reduced the airport’s need for dependency on fossil fuels and decreased its greenhouse gas emissions thanks to this green, renewable energy.

Investment: $28 million

The two tunnels providing interior access to the new Rental Car Facility and parking garage were fully renovated and unveiled with the new “Signature Louisville” look. These images provide a great representation of Louisville and highlight the varied experiences – some of the most recognizable and beloved – in our community and region. Renovations included removing the old moving walkways, the addition of new terrazzo flooring, new ceiling, enhanced lighting and upgrades to the mechanical and electrical systems.

Investment: $5.7 million

The baggage claim level has now been fully renovated as part of the SDF Next Program to provide a significantly more modern aesthetic for a passenger’s journey. This included a complete overhaul of the airport’s rental car counters, Information Center, lighting upgrades, new terrazzo flooring and more.

Investment: $18.3 million

SDF installed a completely new, state-of-the-art baggage handling system to replace its previous baggage carousels that was well beyond its useful life. This included four new baggage belts in the terminal – two on each side – and the addition of an oversized bag drop. This ensures passengers are able to receive their luggage without issue when arriving at SDF.

Investment: $10 million

Nearly every one of SDF’s 24 gates has now been upgraded to include reliable functioning jet bridge to ensure they have a positive experience. These jet bridges are crucial for the safety, efficiency and comfort of passengers at SDF as they board and exit the aircraft.

Investment: $22 million

The far west vestibule on baggage claim leading to the pick-up area for taxis as well as ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft was completely redone to provide a larger, more functional entrance and exit point from the terminal.

Phase 1 of the Taxiway B reconstruction project improved the area between B4 and B5 to ensure the airfield’s integrity while keeping a safe operational space for aircraft. Work included brand-new pavement, upgraded asphalt shoulders for added durability, advanced airfield lighting to enhance visibility and improved drainage systems designed to handle the elements with ease.

Investment: $9.2 million

This key infrastructure project allowed for the development in the northwest area of SDF’s airfield and connecting to the largest taxiway, Taxiway A. The northwest area is now home to UPS Airlines’ new, 275,000 square foot maintenance hangar that can house two Boeing 747-8 cargo jets side-by-side.

Investment: $6.7 million

This project delivers a key airfield improvement by extending Taxiway L to create a new cross-field connection with Taxiway D. This strengthens safety and unlocks additional capacity in the Northeast quadrant area of the airfield.

Investment: $11.6 million

This project focused on the middle area of Taxiway L, which is centrally located in the north of the airfield, near the terminal ramp. It included reconstructing the intersection of Taxiways L and H, adding a new Taxiway Connector Q to link Taxiway L directly to the Terminal Ramp and widening key segments of Taxiway L. The work delivered more than 22,000 square yards of new aircraft pavement, supported by comprehensive demolition, earthwork, upgraded drainage systems, modern airfield lighting and enhanced signage. This provides a safe, efficient and higher-capacity operating environment.

Investment: $12.6 million

Each year, the SDF airfield undergoes significant improvements to its pavement that takes a beating day-after-day with aircraft using it to land and takeoff on their journeys. With constant monitoring and maintenance of the airfield’s surface, it ensures the aircraft using SDF can expect minimal disruptions and a safe environment for their operations.

Investment: $31 million

In addition to a safe operational surface, airfield lighting and signage are crucial to the safe and efficient operations of any airport, especially in low-visibility conditions. Safety is always the no. 1 priority in aviation, and these lights and airfield signs help guide pilots, provide essential information and prevent accidents.

Investment: $18.3 million