FAQ

Long overdue updates will modernize the amenities available in LNK’s 50-year-old terminal:

• Updated infrastructure: These renovations will include enhancements for passenger safety in the terminal security areas, as well as a fully renovated lobby on the main floor, including flooring, lighting and other fixtures. This project will also incorporate new COVID-19 design concepts and remodeled airport administrative offices.

   

• Two new gates: LNK will increase its capacity by adding two gates, as well as installing two additional passenger boarding bridges to accommodate peak hour demand. These additions will also leave room for additional expansion.

   

• Full TSA PreCheck Capability: Infrastructure will be put into place to allow TSA to run a full PreCheck, if implemented by TSA then registered travelers will be able to enjoy the same PreCheck amenities experienced at larger commercial service airports.
  
  
• Improved amenities: Full service post-security food and beverage options will make traveling in and out of Lincoln much sweeter!

• Consolidation:
  • TSA Checkpoints:Since the Lincoln Airport terminal was designed in 1974, its split-use, unconnected layout still requires two fully staffed security checkpoints and two separate airline checked baggage facilities. Consolidating these checkpoints and bag screening facilities is a long overdue update that will add efficiency to the passenger experience through minimized bag movement and reduction in the number of times personnel would have to be split up.
    
    
  • Ticket Counters: Consolidating the airline ticket counters in the departure flight area will not only enhance passenger flow, but also simplify future expansion.
    
    

• Relocation:
  • Baggage claim and rental car counters: Repositioning the baggage claim and rental car counters will enhance traffic on level one of the airport facility.
    
    
  • Amenities: Relocating concessions so food and beverages are available post-security will modernize LNK. The Lincoln Airport Flyers Club will also be moved past the security checkpoints.

The Lincoln Airport is responsible for nearly 9,000 jobs and over $1.3 billion in economic impact yearly.

With the exception of minor facility upgrades and security increases, the current terminal facility has served the Lincoln Airport for nearly 50 years.

Like all growing hubs of defense, commerce, agriculture and education and transportation, Lincoln is dependent on its connection to the rest of the world. In order to serve the community’s growing needs, the Lincoln Airport must continue to think both strategically and proactively.

Our current facilities are increasingly inefficient and severely dated. In order to continue leveraging LNK’s community impact, it’s time to invest in the future.

With 30% of the design complete, the estimated cost of this project is $40-45 million.

The LNK Next project is the first major terminal modernization effort since the airport’s construction in 1974. After exploring all possible revenue streams, it was determined that the only way to fund a terminal upgrade of this size is to impose a property tax levy.

The Lincoln Airport has the authority to levy up to 35 cents without passing a bond initiative. The LNK Next project is expected to result in a levy of approximately half that value, beginning in 2022 and lasting for about 12 years.

The multi-million dollar projects the airport undertakes routinely to maintain aeronautical surfaces are often eligible for federal funding by up to 90%. Terminal upgrades do not carry this level of eligibility.

The Airport Authority will likely consider construction contracts during the first quarter of the 2021 calendar year with construction to commence in the second quarter.

Construction is expected to take 14-18 months with completion in late 2022.