Memphis International Airport (MEM) has today (April 4) closed its Concourse B for construction. Airlines, restaurants, and retail businesses will operate out of the A and C Concourses until the project’s expected completion in 2021.
The airport is currently engaged in the bidding process for the B Concourse construction. The four pre-qualified prime contractors are preparing their pricing and construction teams and if pricing is within available funding, the selection is expected to be submitted to the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority Board of Commissioners in June, with actual construction to begin in July.
Scott Brockman, president and CEO of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA), said, “This is a huge milestone for our modernization project. The end result will be a new state-of-the-art facility that will lead to a more efficient and ‘positively MEMorable’ travel experience for our passengers and a wonderful ‘front door’ to our community.”
Due to the closure, there are a number of operational changes: Delta Air Lines will begin operations on the A Concourse, utilizing gates A17, A19, A21, A23, A25 and 27; Allegiant will begin operations in the C Concourse with gates C2 and C4; and the international arrival gates at B41, B42 and B43 and US Customs office will remain in operation in B. Passengers will be bused to the baggage area after going through customs.
Lenny’s Subs will also move from the B Concourse to the A Concourse, near gate A23; a new Italian-themed restaurant, Torn Basil, is expected to open by the end of April near gate A27; and a new Blue Moon kiosk bar will be added near gates C1 and C3 later this year.
The multi-year, multi-phase modernization plan will include the addition of wider corridors, moving walkways, larger boarding areas, higher ceilings and increased natural lighting.