City of Long Beach, CA
04/24/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/24/2026 14:50
Long Beach Airport Breaks Ground on $37 Million Concourse Enhancement Project
PRESS RELEASE
City of Long Beach
Public Information Office
411 W. Ocean Blvd,
Long Beach, CA 90802
www.longbeach.gov
4/24/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPress Release # 04242026-02
Subject:
Long Beach Airport Breaks Ground on $37 Million Concourse Enhancement Project
Improvements to be completed ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games
Contact:
Above from left: Long Beach City Attorney, Dawn McIntosh; Vice Mayor, Roberto Uranga; Councilmember, Megan Kerr; Congressman, Robert Garcia; Airport Director, Cynthia Guidry; PCL Construction Services, President of the US Western Region, Cathy Orquiloa and Federal Aviation Administration, Western Pacific Region, Acting Director of Office of Airports, Faviola Garcia celebrate the groundbreaking of Long Beach Airport's passenger concourse modernization project; A rendering shows improved passenger circulation with updated queuing and seating configurations, among other upgrades.
Long Beach, CA - Long Beach Airport (LGB) broke ground today on a $37 million project to modernize its passenger concourse, upgrade critical infrastructure and enhance the post-security travel experience ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"This project represents an important investment in Long Beach's future and the millions of travelers who choose our award-winning Airport each year," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "As we prepare to welcome the world for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we are ensuring LGB continues to deliver a modern, comfortable and uniquely Southern California travel experience."
The Passenger Concourse Enhancement Project is designed to further elevate Long Beach Airport's existing reputation as a relaxed, Southern California travel experience while making necessary updates to infrastructure that has served millions of passengers since the concourse first opened in 2012. Planned enhancements include:
- Improved passenger circulation, including updated queuing and seating configurations
- Mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades, including replacement of air-conditioning components and updated restrooms
- Upgraded seating with electrical charging options
- Creation of an open-air garden area outside the north concourse
- Expanded wayfinding signage and flight information displays
- New flooring, gate podiums and a Service Animal Relief Area
- Sustainability upgrades, including a new back-up generator and energy-efficient LED lighting
The project's completion is anticipated in the summer of 2027. No impacts to commercial flights are expected, and gate access will be accommodated during construction.
"This refresh is not just aesthetic-it's about expanding LGB's reputation as a premier airport that offers travelers an experience that is distinctly Long Beach," said Fifth District Councilwoman Megan Kerr. "After more than a century of service, this project ensures LGB keeps soaring as one of Southern California's most welcoming gateways."
"Bold investments are being made to continue to ensure every visitor's first impression reflects the hospitality of Long Beach," said Fourth District Councilman Daryl Supernaw. "For the 2028 Games and beyond, these improvements highlight the City's commitment to Long Beach Airport's future, ensuring it remains a modern, welcoming place for generations of travelers to come."
The Passenger Concourse Enhancements Project has an estimated total cost of $37 million, with $24 million funded through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Infrastructure Grant program under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, advocated for by U.S. Congressman Robert Garcia. The remaining cost will be covered by Airport revenue, with no local tax dollars utilized.
"As the former Mayor of Long Beach, I know firsthand how important our airport is to the city and our local economy. This federal investment is going to make our world-class airport even better," said Congressman Robert Garcia. "These funds will deliver critical upgrades, support local jobs, and create a better experience for every traveler passing through. Long Beach Airport is one of the best in the country, and we're making sure it stays that way."
The Passenger Concourse Enhancement Project is estimated to generate 190 construction jobs. The work builds upon the impact of the Long Beach Airport Complex, which already generates an estimated $9 billion in annual economic output and supports 42,000 jobs as a key asset for the City and region at large.
Following a competitive recruitment process, PCL Construction Services, Inc. was awarded the construction contract valued at $28 million. The Long Beach City Council approved the construction contract on Oct. 14, 2025.
"This is about preparing Long Beach Airport for the future while enhancing the experience travelers know and love today," said Airport Director Cynthia Guidry. "From upgraded seating and improved passenger flow to modernized infrastructure behind the scenes, these improvements will help ensure LGB remains one of the most comfortable and convenient airports in the country."
Officially trademarked as america's coolest airport™, LGB provides a distinctively stress-free travel experience and first-class service, conveniently located between Los Angeles and Orange counties. Ranked second in the nation by The Washington Post, LGB is a favorite among travelers for its easygoing atmosphere. The Airport currently offers nonstop service to 20 destinations and one-stop connections to more than 400 cities worldwide via Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Hawaiian Airlines. Learn more at lgb.org.
About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.
City of Long Beach, CA published this content on April 24, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 24, 2026 at 20:50 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]