FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - Fresno Yosemite International Airport celebrated a new milestone on Monday for its airport expansion project with a topping-off ceremony.  According to Director of Aviation Henry Thompson, the ceremony marks a significant moment in the construction process.  "Topping off represents a moment of great reflection, pride and celebration," Thompson said. "Topping off is a celebratory milestone in the construction process. The tradition symbolizes the completion of the structural phase and occurs when the highest structure point of the building. And in our case, that's going to be the final beam is put in place." Hundreds gathered for the ceremony which took place Monday afternoon. Several local and state officials took part in the celebration by signing the beam before crews hoisted it into the sky.  Mayor Jerry Dyer explained the expansion will allow the airport to accommodate the needs of a growing population. "Our airport has experienced historic passenger traffic with more than 2.4 million passengers passing through our gates in 2023. And we are well on our way to exceeding that number and setting new records for our airport in 2024," Dyer said.  The mayor also said the expansion will help boost the economy in the area. "The expansion of our airport not only provides added convenience for passengers, but it also serves to boost our local economy. In fact, just during the construction phase, there's a $90 million economic impact on Fresno. During the construction phase, that is very significant. Not to mention all of the economic impacts that we will see once we have this terminal expansion completed," Dyer said. Fresno City Councilmember Tyler Maxwell echoed that sentiment, adding that more space to accommodate families will make it easier for anyone traveling around the U.S. and internationally.  "This terminal will also make it much more convenient and comfortable, as the mayor mentioned, for our Fresno families wishing to travel throughout the year to visit family or across the nation as well as Mexico," Maxwell said.   Maxwell also believes the new expansion is an opportunity for anyone traveling through the Central Valley to learn more about Fresno. "By opening this terminal and all the traffic that will inevitably come with it, we introduce ourselves to more cities and more people across America and the world," he said. "I can't begin to tell you how impactful this new terminal is going to be for our Fresno families and for our local economy at large. Just as the placement of this final beam symbolizes the terminal's connection to the rest of the airport. So, will this terminal symbolize Fresno's continued connection to the rest of the world." Some of the changes the new expansion will bring include a new concourse building, an expanded TSA checkpoint screening area, new concession areas for retails and dining, a new public art program, and an extended waiting area for family and friends.  The first phase of opening for the project will include the newly expanded passenger screening checkpoint in early 2025 and the full terminal is expected to open by Fall 2025.  These aren't the only changes travelers can expect to see at the Fresno Yosemite International Airport. Airport officials also announced they will be adding a new seasonal daytime non-stop flight to Guadalajara, Mexico. That flight will run from Dec. 3 to Feb. 12, 2025. Dyer says these new additions at the airport are part of his vision to build a better future for the City of Fresno. "I often say that great cities have great downtowns. We'll also say that great cities have great airports, and you can't claim to have a great city unless you have a great airport," Dyer said. "This expansion will transform our airport into a modern, spacious and efficient transportation hub, providing travelers with the best amenities right here at our airport for many, many years to come." Congressman Jim Costa said the changes won't just enhance the traveler experience but also enrich the entire Valley community. "I want all the improvements, just like all of you do because this is a part of our region's success," he said.  For more information about the project, click here.