Schedule

SDF Next

The following projects and improvement initiatives highlighted below are part of the SDF Next Program’s more than $1 billion investment in Kentucky’s airport, both in the terminal and on the airfield. These efforts are leading to a first-class transformation and providing a best-in-class experience for the region’s travelers.

Current Major Projects:

Security Checkpoint Expansion

The security checkpoint expansion marks the largest change to the Jerry E. Abramson Terminal is more than 35 years. This project includes the construction of a 30,000 square foot addition on the current terminal’s west side that will feature up to 10 screening lanes, state-of-the-art equipment and a breach control exit lane. This increases overall screening capacity by 60% following SDF celebrating four of its Top 5 busiest years ever since 2019. 

Construction Began: November 2024

Scheduled Completion: Fall 2026

Investment: $45 Million

Architectural rendering of a microgrid facility at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, showing a modern utility building with a fuel truck parked outside and adjacent airport structures under a partly cloudy sky.

SDF MicroGrid

The SDF MicroGrid project is a centralized generator plan that will allow for on-demand grid independence and improved resiliency. Once complete, it will allow the terminal to remain fully operational in the event of a power failure of emergency. It will result in approximately $94,000 annual utility savings while also reducing 68 tons of CO2 emissions each year.

Construction Began: May 2024

Scheduled Completion: Fall 2026

Investment: $32 Million

Upcoming Major Projects:

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 Project – Phase 3 (Post-Security)

Innovative geothermal technology is live and in use at the Jerry E. Abramson Terminal with this phase focusing on-going and associated improvements in the post-security areas. By using geothermal energy, the airport reduces its reliance on fossil fuels and significantly decreases greenhouse-gas emissions because geothermal energy is clean, reliable and renewable. When fully completed, the overall implementation of geothermal technology throughout all areas of the terminal is expected to save $400,000 annually in utility costs and reduce greenhouse-gas (carbon) emissions by 80%.

Aerial rendering of planned roadway realignment at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, showing redesigned traffic lanes, expanded parking areas, and improved vehicle access to the terminal.

Terminal Roadway Realignment

This project will simplify the roadway for vehicular traffic approaching the terminal’s upper and lower levels to improve navigation for drivers. Not only will these improvements add curb front parallel to the building, but it will also include construction of a dedicated Cell Phone Waiting Lot within this terminal loop, providing a more direct and efficient traffic flow for drivers picking up passengers.

Post-Security Concourse Improvements

Improvements in the post-security areas of the terminal will include signage upgrades, enhanced lighting and a more modern aesthetic in the gate waiting areas, providing an overall better experience for travelers at SDF.

Learn More About SDF Next