Rapid City Regional Airport is South Dakota’s tourism gateway.
Expanding the Rapid City Regional Airport terminal is a pivotal project for the future of our community. This investment ensures that
the airport will continue to benefit generations to come in Western South Dakota.
Rapid City Regional Airport is shattering previous enplanement records. In 2024, 427,325 passengers boarded flights—a 23.8% increase over the previous record year.
Annually, Rapid City Regional Airport contributes over $456 million to the economy.
Supports Air and National Guard, Air Medical, and General Aviation.
Project 1
Estimated Total: $82.8 million.
Phase 1 of Project 1 broke ground October 23, 2023 and addresses several essential operational areas.
Luggage Screening
Enhances employee safety and efficiency by updating back-of-house screening, ensuring bags reach the aircraft on time. No similar airports use such a manual/outdated system
TSA Checkpoint
Adds additional screening and exit lanes. An existing slope is corrected to accommodate modern equipment.
Ticket Counters
Straightens ticketing counters for efficiency, better wayfinding, and space for flexible stations and new airlines.
Project 2
Estimated Total: $104.2 million.
Project 2 adds five new gates to accommodate mainline jets and additional air carriers.
Scheduling projections indicate that over 750 passengers per hour will be departing by 2030. The airport is experiencing a shortage of passenger holdroom space, with a deficit
exceeding 9,000 square feet.
This phase will improve accessibility, increase traveler waiting space and expand concessions. Additional concessionary revenue ensures the airport remains operationally self-sufficient.
Project 3
Estimated Total: $33 million
Project 3 adds space for car rental counters and an additional baggage return belt.
