Idaho Falls Regional Airport is about to compile its expansion plan. This allows the airport to serve more passengers as more flights are launched in the coming weeks. | Eric Grossarth, EastIdahoNews.com

IDAHO FALLS – More flights and more space, that’s what’s happening at Idaho Falls Regional Airport.

Last year, the airport embarked on a 38,000-square-foot, $ 12 million expansion project, allowing the city-owned airport to bring more flights to the area. American Airlines now offers flights to Dallas-Forth Worth and Phoenix from Idaho Falls.

“In 2019, we had approximately 600 departure seats available each day,” said IDA Airport Manager Rick Cloutier. “Once all flights start later this month, we will have over 1,200 starting seats available in the future. We expect more than 400,000 passengers through the airport this year and (in) 2022, more than 500,000 passengers. ”

RELATED | Expansions underway at Idaho Falls Regional Airport

Among the flights added, Alliegent Airlines launched its Portland / Idaho Falls route last week. Alaskan Airlines will also begin flights to Seattle on June 17. American will also be adding second daily flights to its schedule in the coming weeks.

American Airlines launched its first flights from Idaho Falls Regional Airport on Thursday. | Eric Grossarth, EastIdahoNews.com

“If you look at the last 60 days since we announced our new flights, our fairs are down by about 40%,” Cloutier said. “We not only have the most options of any airport in eastern Idaho, but we also have the lowest fares. ”

The expansion includes two new terminal doors – one on the second floor and another on the ground floor. Among the five gates, there will be three gateways not used by American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta. Boarding on the ground floor will also be covered.

To help with the massive increase in the number of passengers, the Transport Security Administration control area has been updated. There are now additional channels and a dedicated TSA pre-check line.

FROM 2018 | New supplier takes over Idaho Falls airport restaurant in December

The airport restaurant will also expand its space to include seated service for around 50 people. Food and beverage services will continue to be offered.

The project is funded by the Federal Aviation Administration’s Aviation Improvement Program. It enables regional and international US airports to improve their services, which generates revenue for the local economy. Cloutier explained that the Idaho Falls airport has an economic impact of approximately $ 300,000 million in eastern Idaho.

The airport plans to complete its expansion project around September, according to Cloutier.