Chattanooga Airport officials announced plans to expand customer parking at the commercial terminal, starting with the demolition of an aging hangar.
“We have seen a steady increase in customers parking in our lots over the last few years and have reached the point where an expansion is critical,” said Terry Hart, airport president. “We have reviewed all options for parking expansion and removing Hangar 3 makes the most sense as it is located adjacent to the existing intermediate parking lot and requires a tremendous amount of maintenance in its present condition.”
According to airport officials, the hangar was built in 1951 and would need extensive work to bring it up to current building codes.
Removing the hangar will allow the airport to create approximately 300 additional parking spaces to meet the growing demand.
In addition to expanding the parking lot, the airport plans to replace all existing parking revenue control equipment this year. The new system was approved by the Airport Authority Board in January.
“Our primary focus this year is parking lot improvements,” Mr. Hart said. “In addition to the new parking lot, customers will see several changes to the existing parking lots including covered walkways and more reliable payment equipment at the exit gates, including a mobile payment option. Our goal is to create a better overall parking experience for our customers this year.”
Construction on the parking lot will begin this spring. The entire project is anticipated to be complete this fall.