With its 2020-2027 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) approved in December, the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) staff is readying for a busy year of project planning and construction.

Every year, MAC staff members prepare a seven-year plan that covers specific projects over multiple construction seasons. The board then reviews and approves the plan in December.

Below are a few of the CIP projects scheduled to take place in 2020 at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP).

Expansion of the airport's Terminal 1 ticketing lobby and baggage claim levels will continue this year.

• This includes pushing out the terminal's facade to provide additional space for passenger flow.
• In the ticketing lobby, check-in areas and airline and other tenant offices will also expand, providing much needed passenger check-in and operational space for employees.
• New restrooms are also slated to open in the ticketing lobby in early 2020, a project that was part of a previous CIP.
• Future plans in the ticketing lobby include an expansion of the South Security Checkpoint from six to eight lanes. And a new cantilevered corridor will be constructed over the lobby providing an area for better observation of airline and security operations. 

On Concourse G, gate hold areas will be expanded for Gates G17-G22, and more space will be provided for food and retail venues. The MAC will also construct a shell space for Delta Air Line's planned third Sky Club at MSP.

Behind the scenes, space for new security devices, conveyors and replacement of existing baggage inspection equipment will be built in coordination with the Transportation Security Administration.

On the airfield, a significant portion of a taxiway located near Terminal 2 will be fully reconstructed. This work includes storm sewer and drainage improvements.

Work is set to start later this year on a new building that will consolidate public safety and certain airport operations into one space. It will also serve as a replacement for the older of two fire stations on the airfield. The facility is scheduled to open in 2022.

The Silver Parking Ramp, construction of which began in the fall of 2017, is scheduled to open in early June. The ramp brings 5,000 additional parking spots to Terminal 1 and includes a new rental car facility and public transit station.

The much-anticipated iconic art piece in the ticketing lobby is scheduled for installation before the end of 2020, as well. The artwork, tiled 'Aurora', will span the ticketing and baggage claim levels and feature more than 8,000 interactive and programmable LED bulbs. 

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) surpassed 39 million passengers in 2019 for the first time in history.

In all, 39,555,036 passengers flew to or from MSP last year, 4 percent more than in 2018. Last year was the third consecutive record year based on total passengers using the airport.

“A strong economy along with new routes and increased airline competition continues to propel demand for air travel,” said Metropolitan Airports Commission CEO Brian Ryks. “Hub carrier Delta Air Lines and its affiliates carried 4 percent more passengers at MSP in 2019 while Sun Country increased its passenger numbers by more than 22 percent, helping set the pace for a record year.” 

Attention all aviation enthusiasts: Get ready for things to get a little bit geeky at MSP Airport.

The next AV Geek-Up will take place on Sunday, Feb. 16 at the InterContinental Hotel at MSP. If you like plane spotting and socializing with other aviation enthusiasts, this is the event for you. The Geek-Up takes place on the 12^th floor of the hotel in its Altitude Room, with astounding views of MSP’s airfield.

Besides the great views, representatives from a variety of aviation-related enterprises will be there for those who might have questions about airports and aviation. At past events, representatives from the Metropolitan Airports Commission, MSP Airport Watch, Travelers Assistance, and Jet Tips have had a presence. The groups vary from event to event. Regardless, you and your fellow aviation geeks will have plenty of opportunities to share your interest in aviation.

The event is free and kid-friendly. Coffee, pastries, snacks and beverages are available for purchase, and complimentary two-hour parking is available in the InterContinental’s parking ramp for event attendees. Attendees staying overnight at the hotel can receive a special $99 room rate. Contact the hotel for more detail.

What: AV Geek-Up for aviation enthusiasts and plane-spotters

When: Sunday, Feb. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Altitude Room, 12^th floor, InterContinental Hotel near MSP Airport's Terminal 1