The Terminal Modernization and Seismic Program (TMSP) at Memphis International Airport is the next phase of modernization at MEM. In 2022, the redesigned concourse opened at MEM to great fanfare, featuring tall ceilings and windows providing an abundance of natural light, a variety of local artwork celebrating Memphis culture, and a multitude of conveniences for travelers.
During the Concourse Modernization project, all airline, retail, and restaurant operations were consolidated onto a single, easily navigable concourse. Its 23 gates now accommodate all commercial aircraft that fly into and out of MEM. As part of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA) Master Plan, Concourses A and C were shuttered and plans made to improve the use of that space around the terminal and concourse.
Once the old structures are demolished, work will begin on modernizing the terminal and building structures to further improve the passenger experience. One of these projects is a new MSCAA Administration / Checked Baggage Inspection System (CBIS) building.
The MSCAA Master Plan shows Concourse A as the likely site for a new Consolidated Rental Car Center (CONRAC). This location would add convenience for passengers by enabling the CONRAC to connect directly to the airport terminal. It would also free up the first two floors of the economy parking garage for more passenger parking. This project is not part of the modernized terminal project and is still in design.
Demolishing Concourse A
Concourse A was originally built in 1974. It has not been used since we combined all airline, retail and restaurant operations into the modernized Concourse B in 2022. We will first use the Concourse A area for storing construction materials needed for the modernized terminal project. Following the MSCAA Master Plan, the area is the likely site for a new Consolidated Rental Car Center (CONRAC).
Also, a new MSCAA administration building will be built in this area, as well as a new checked baggage inspection system (CBIS). Work on Concourse A began in late 2024 with demolition beginning in early July 2025. The project should take about 8–10 months.
New Commercial Ground Transportation Lane
The airport has begun work on a new commercial ground transport lane on the baggage claim level of the short-term parking garage. Once completed, ground transportation services will be relocated to this new lane. These services include taxis, shuttles, limos and ride share services, such as Lyft and Uber. The closure of the outer drive and relocation of pickup and drop off of ride share and similar services is expected in Summer 2025.
Replacing the Outer Drive
After completing the new commercial lane, the outer commercial drive on the ticketing/departures level will close for reconstruction. The outer drive replacement began in Spring 2025. It will take about two years to complete. The project will result in a seismically enhanced and expanded departures-level drive. This phase of the project is needed to enable the terminal building expansion. The remodeled building will move outward into the existing inner-curb lane.
Modernizing the Terminal
The largest phase of the project will involve modernizing the Terminal B arrival and departure areas.
Like Concourse B that was modernized in 2022, the terminal is more than 60 years old. This portion of the project is expected to begin in 2027. Completion is targeted for the end of 2030.
This phase will feature:
• Expanded open space in the baggage and ticketing areas, with improved passenger flow
• Larger security screening checkpoint
• Escalators and stairs relocated to the front of the terminal building
• Original architectural design preserved
• New TSA in-line checked baggage inspection system
• Seismic upgrades, making the structure more resistant to earthquake damage
Parking Improvements
Future improvements include parking system upgrades, a parking spot guidance system, and real-time parking availability info on flymemphis.com.
Parking Improvements already in place include:
• Increased Parking: More than 800 parking spaces were added to the Yellow Lot in Fall 2024
• New parking ticket and payment system installed in Fall 2024
• License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras: This system identifies vehicles by their license plates. It uses light and an infrared camera to take images of the back of vehicles. Then, the image-processing software analyzes the images to extract license plate information. This safety feature allows Airport Police to know who is coming and going at the Airport.
• New parking guidance system: This system combines traffic monitoring, onsite communication, and parking sensor technologies to improve travelers’ parking experiences. The system will allow drivers to find unoccupied parking spaces. It will also help passengers locate their cars when returning from trips.
Future improvements include parking system upgrades, a parking spot guidance system, and real-time parking availability info on flymemphis.com.
Budget Overview
The current estimated cost for modernizing Terminal B and related projects is $700 million. It is the largest capital project in MEM’s history. This budget figure is an early estimate. It is likely to increase as design and construction details are finalized.
Project funding will include:
• General airport revenue bonds,
• State and federal grants,
• Passenger facility charges (PFCs) and
• Other Authority capital funds.
No city or county tax dollars will be used to fund the project.