Completed Projects

SDF Next

The SDF Next Program is providing a first-class transformation for the passenger experience at Kentucky’s airport. With $340 million in capital improvements both in the terminal and on the airfield already completed, the positive momentum will continue with another nearly $300 million in projects expected to be complete in the next two years. As SDF celebrated its best year to date – serving more passengers than ever with more aircraft operations than ever – the steps taken today are ensuring the airport is further prepared for the future.

Airport Operations Command Center and Security Upgrades

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

New Rental Car Facility

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

Geothermal Phase 1: Wellfield and Ramp

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

Interior view of a geothermal water source heat pump system at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, featuring rows of insulated pipes, electrical boxes, and HVAC units along a brightly lit corridor.

Geothermal Phase 2: Pre-Security Terminal Areas

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

“Signature Louisville” Project and Rental Car Tunnel Access

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

Baggage Claim Improvements – Rental Car Counters, Information Booth and More

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

Baggage Claim Improvements – New Baggage Handling Systems

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

New Passenger Boarding Bridges

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

Northwest Quadrant Development and Taxiway A Connector

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

Runway and Taxiway Pavement Rehabilitation

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

Airfield Lighting and Signage Upgrades

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

Learn More About SDF Next