(Manhattan, Kan., March 5, 2015) — The City of Manhattan will celebrate the completion of the first phase of a two-phased passenger terminal expansion at Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK) during an open house from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2015. A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. with the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce.

Phase One of the terminal expansion began in October 2013 and is approximately 22,000 square feet in size. It replaces the current 12,500-square-foot terminal building that became overcrowded due to the success of regional jet airline service to Dallas-Fort Worth and Chicago O’Hare airports. American Airlines will begin operating out of the new terminal on March 10, 2015. Construction for Phase Two will begin later this spring and, when completed, will increase the size of the terminal building to 42,000 square feet. The new terminal building is expected to serve the growing airline needs of the region through the year 2030.

Designed by Mead & Hunt Inc. of Madison, Wisc., and constructed by The Weitz Co. of Lenexa, the rolling roof design is meant to resemble the picturesque rolling hills of the Flint Hills region of Kansas. The large ticketing area is surrounded by glass curtain walls that allow natural light to shine deep into the building.

“While architecturally stunning, the new terminal building also offers more convenience and automation,” said Airport Director Peter VanKuren. “This phase provides a new baggage handling system and passenger boarding bridge that improves efficiency for employees and comfort for passengers. New passenger screening equipment and a much larger departure gate area will also improve the travel experience for passengers.”

 

---