Rendering of expanded Tweed airport.
New Haven’s airport has received a $4 million federal boost to help construct a new 81,000-square-foot terminal that will include four more gates.
That news was announced by Tweed-New Haven Airport in a Thursday press release.
Tweed will be receiving $4 million from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through the agency’s FY 2025 Airport Terminal Program, which is dedicated to improving airport terminals across the country.
According to Thursday’s press release, those funds will go toward “Phase 2 of the airport’s terminal expansion, which includes the construction of a new, state-of-the-art, 81,568 square foot terminal with four gates, expanded security screening, new baggage handling systems, and concessions space.” The new airport terminal is slated to be built on the East Haven side of the Morris Cove property.
The latest total cost estimate for the new terminal is $75 – 100 million, according to a Tweed spokesperson.
The new terminal will replace an “outdated” terminal built in 1931 and will “expand capacity” at the airport. The press release states that it will “incorporate a sustainable design, improving climate resilience and safety.”
“The FAA grant is another important and meaningful step toward the responsible and sustainable development of Tweed-New Haven Airport,” Mayor Justin Elicker is quoted as saying in that press release. “New Haven is a growing city, and this new terminal is an important next step, supporting our residents and visitors. I appreciate our federal delegation’s leadership and strong support for this landmark public-private partnership.”
“This major federal investment will enable more air travelers to fly more conveniently, comfortably, and safely,” said U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal. “While more funds are needed to support Connecticut’s transportation infrastructure — and I’ll fight for them — this $4 million is a giant vote of confidence in New Haven as a hub for air travel.”
Tweed received approval from federal regulators for its terminal expansion and runway extension back in December 2023. In August, the airport announced that Breeze Airlines will begin flying out of Tweed starting in December, joining airline Avelo. Meanwhile, in September, Tweed received approval for temporary office, ticketing, and passenger-waiting trailers to stay up three more years, until the new terminal is built.