Boise Airport selects Hensel Phelps to lead BOI Upgrade

Boise, Idaho, September 4, 2025

News Summary

Boise Airport has tapped Hensel Phelps as construction manager to lead a multi-year BOI Upgrade responding to sharp passenger growth, with traffic now nearing 5 million. The capital program targets major improvements including a new baggage handling system, a central utility plant, a west-side Concourse A adding up to 10 gates in phased openings, terminal flow upgrades and expanded concessions and parking. The airport approved a framework allowing contracts up to $700 million that will be paid from airport revenue, passenger charges and bonds. Work is being phased so the airport remains open during construction.

Boise Airport selects Hensel Phelps to lead multi-year upgrade as passenger traffic nears 5 million

Boise’s primary airport is embarking on a long-term expansion program led by Hensel Phelps, a Colorado-based construction management firm. The project covers a broad set of improvements at the terminal, including baggage handling, Concourse A, new parking garages, and a refreshed lineup of dining and retail options. The goal is to accommodate a growing stream of travelers while preserving the character of Boise and the surrounding Treasure Valley.

Officials say the effort comes as flights through BOI continue to rise. The airport served 4,990,885 passengers in 2024, closing in on nearly 5 million, and the year marked a record for activity. Airport leadership notes an 81% increase in passenger counts since 2014, translating to about 2 million more travelers than a decade ago. To respond to the demand, multiple projects and new facilities are moving forward in a coordinated schedule funded by airport revenue rather than general tax dollars.

The formal agreement underpinning the expansion allows the airport to advance work as funding becomes available, with a framework designed to avoid taxpayer dollars while delivering a phased set of improvements. The plan includes up to 10 new gates in Concourse A, a major upgrade to the baggage system, and a central utility plant to power air, heat, and electricity for the terminal. In addition, a new rental car center, known as CONRAC, is under construction with the aim of opening in 2026, eliminating the need for a shuttle to the rental car lots and aligning with a future aircraft parking apron near Concourse A.

Security and circulation have also been upgraded. The airport has expanded its security checkpoint, added new parking garages, and moved the cell phone lot. A finished employee garage and a completed parking garage with more than 1,000 new spaces are in place as the first phase of the overall development. A first phase of a new rental car garage is underway, with ongoing work aimed at improving flow for travelers and staff.

Phase 1 of the concessions program opened in late August 2025 and features a blend of local and national brands designed to give travelers a sense of Boise’s identity while they pass through security and beyond. The concessions mix includes a blend of dining and retail with a focus on local flavor, alongside familiar names for travelers listening to a two-part rollout. The concessions rollout is being conducted in two stages to keep parts of the terminal open during construction. The program is being managed with Delaware North handling dining and Paradies Lagardere handling retail.

Beyond Phase 1, work is underway for Phase 2 concessions, with plans to refresh additional outlets and replace some current options. Changes include replacing some outlets with recognizable brands such as Starbucks and Wendy’s, refreshing a market space, and introducing other local and national concepts along Concourse A and adjacent areas. A notable addition to the concessions lineup is Treefort Outpost, a pre-security concept inspired by a local festival, and new beverage and food pairings near Concourse B. Officials emphasize that the concessions are designed to reflect Boise’s character and create a warmer, more welcoming atmosphere for travelers.

The expansion is part of a larger program referred to as BOI Upgrade, described as a $42 million concessions portion within the broader capital development plan. In addition to dining and retail shifts, the airport is updating a number of core systems to ensure reliable service. Work includes a baggage handling system relocation and placement of a central utility plant in spaces freed by the move, so Concourse A can open on schedule. A phased approach to the baggage project could allow a first sequence of gates to open on the south side, with a future phase adding more gates as funding and construction progress.

The airport’s leadership notes that Concourse B will require significant upgrades in a later phase, but those improvements will be timed to avoid disrupting ongoing traffic flow. Officials stress the airport’s goal of creating a traveler experience that feels more like a hotel environment with smooth movement, better sightlines, and integrated art and technology that convey a strong local sense of place. The design process is ongoing, with architects incorporating Boise’s identity into the renovated space while preserving essential operations during construction.

As planning continues, the timetable shows critical work beginning in 2027 for the baggage system and central utility plant, followed by Concourse A construction and terminal upgrades. Some elements may be completed in 2028, with the full Concourse A project extending into 2029. The upgrades are funded entirely through airport revenues, including passenger charges and bonds, and there are no planned contributions from Boise’s general fund or property tax.

Operational context and timeline

The airport has already completed several improvements, including expanded TSA checkpoints, a new parking exit plaza, and more than 1,100 additional long-term parking spaces. An updated security lane and new parking facilities support a higher volume of travelers, with peak times on busy days bringing thousands through the security process. The airport is a growing origin-and-destination market, where most people begin and end their trips at Boise, and peak travel times tend to be in the morning and late evening when the facilities are most crowded.

Officials emphasize that the phased approach prioritizes essential infrastructure first—baggage handling and the central utility plant—to avoid bottlenecks that would delay the opening of Concourse A. The planned sequence also positions the CONRAC facility as an enabling project for Concourse A because the rental cars area is envisioned as a future aircraft parking apron. As work progresses, the plan remains flexible to accommodate shifting funding and evolving traveler needs while maintaining strong ties to Boise’s character and economy.

Key program elements and milestones

• Concourse A expansion with up to 10 new gates
• Baggage system relocation and central utility plant construction
• Phase 1 concession openings and Phase 2 refreshes
• CONRAC rental car center aimed for 2026 opening
• Phase 1 concession rollout completed by late 2025 with ongoing Phase 2 work
• Funding sourced entirely from airport revenue and bonds, not general taxes

The airport’s expansion reflects a steady effort to handle higher passenger volumes while strengthening Boise’s identity in a travel context. With a multi-year timeline and a broad scope of work, the project aims to keep operations running smoothly as the city grows and to provide a more cohesive traveler experience from check-in through to departure.

Bottom line

As BOI Upgrade progresses, travelers can expect more dining and shopping options, easier parking access, a modernized baggage process, and a refreshed terminal environment. The work is designed to support continued growth in passenger numbers while maintaining a distinct Boise feel that reflects the region’s culture and character.

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Additional Resources

• KTVB: Boise Airport opens new retail & dining options
• Wikipedia: Boise Airport
• BoiseDev: Boise Airport Concourse/Terminal update (Aug 13, 2025)
• Google Search: Boise Airport concourse terminal
• Jacobs: Jacobs selected to support Idaho airport expansion
• Google Scholar: Boise Airport expansion
• Idaho Press / Boise Weekly: Boise Airport expansion continues with first wave of new concessions
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Boise Airport
• Idaho News: Boise Airport hits record passenger numbers; plans major expansions
• Google News: Boise Airport expansion

Author: RISadlog