(“We urge people to be patient with us” as construction continues on RDM’s $180 million dollar expansion project, said Airport Director Zachary Bass | Photo by Andrea Hine)
“It’s like trying to build an airport on top of a working airport,” said Redmond Airport Director Zachary Bass in describing the $180 million dollar expansion project underway since June, “but much is needed to meet both current demand and projected future growth.”
He noted that passenger numbers for Central Oregon’s primary airport have increased from about 600,000 in 2016 to a projected 1.3+ million in 2025. “This growth has led to crowded terminals, long lines, and limited seating, and our current facilities are simply not big enough to handle the number of travelers passing through each year.”
The multi-phase expansion, with expected completion in summer 2027, will add 80,000 square feet of new space, including a concourse, seven jet bridges, expanded waiting and concession areas, and more than twice the terminal’s passenger seating capacity. “It has been a long time coming,” said Bass, referring to the years of planning involved, “but will really serve us well for the future.”
RDM is currently served by four air carriers: Alaska, American, Delta, and United, which collectively offer 25-35 daily direct flights — “depending on the season,” Bass qualified — to various destinations such as Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix.
And while Avelo Airlines canceled all its flights to and from Redmond this summer, another low-cost carrier, Breeze Airways, has announced that it will step in next March with $49 intro fares from RDM to Las Vegas, Burbank, and Provo-Salt Lake City.
Asked if the airport’s expansion will make a difference in attracting additional air carriers, Bass responded that “it’s not a matter of “if you build it, they will come, but rather, if you don’t build it, they can’t come.”
For example, “We have been in deep conversation with Southwest Airlines for several years,” Bass said, “and created a close relationship for future growth. “And although nothing has been announced or scheduled, and things can change, the air carrier has said to us that RDM is at the top of its list.”
“We’ve been very open from the start about the construction taking place,” said Bass, warning that “the next two years will be painful, with space shrinking even more. Hopefully, people will understand having less space as we move forward.”
He cited an unexpected problem encountered during the summer: “Conex boxes — large, all-steel cargo containers originally developed to transport and store supplies — are serving as passenger walkways from the terminal to the apron or ramp where the aircraft are parked. We hadn’t realized how much the boxes would heat up, and quickly increased ventilation to lower the temperature inside them.”
“That was a lesson learned,” Bass said, “and in the same vein, we urge people to be patient with us, and know that we’ll fix any undesirable situation that may arise. Most customers are aware of this project, and haven’t been caught off guard, just as they realize that construction is typical of the industry overall.”
Portland International Airport (PDX), for example, is undergoing a massive, multi-year $2 billion renovation slated for completion in early 2026. Bass pointed out that Svanska, general contractor for the RDM expansion, also oversaw the new PDX terminal, and “has a lot of good experience.”
In addition, “We hold daily meetings with all stakeholders — from air carrier personnel to baggage handlers and concessionaires — to identify any issues that arise, provide feedback, and meet the challenges we face on the project as it progresses,” Bass said.
“Personally, since the expansion effort has been six years in the making, I find that seeing all the changes — such as demolition of older parts of the terminal — is very exciting. The project is really starting to take shape.”
Bass noted that “Not only is the project fully funded and coming in under budget, but we also have a large contingency fund set aside to handle issues such as unexpected terrorist activity that may arise.”
And, he emphasized, there are no local tax monies involved. “If you don’t fly in or out of RDM, you aren’t paying for it.”
“With this expansion, we’re not just preparing for the future — we’re shaping it.” said Mayor Ed Fitch. “Redmond Airport is a critical gateway for Central Oregon, and this project ensures we continue to meet the needs of our communities with vision, care, and forward-thinking infrastructure.”
