Richmond International Airport consolidating security checkpoints
Nov 01, 2024
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond International Airport in Henrico County is set to enhance passenger experience with the construction of a consolidated security checkpoint to replace the two separate checkpoints that exist now.
Currently, the airport operates two security checkpoints—one for each concourse. According to airport officials, the new consolidated checkpoint will have between 10 and 12 screening lanes, allowing for more efficient processing of passengers heading to either Concourse A or B.
The new security checkpoint is expected to facilitate a smoother flow of traffic, significantly cutting down on the time travelers spend waiting in line before they can be screened by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents.
On Friday, Sen. Mark Warner delivered a $2.25 million check to the aiport which will help fund the design plans. The money is coming from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which he and Sen. Tim Kaine championed.
Warner said the project will not only improve efficiency at the airport but also increase its capacity to connect the Richmond region to the rest of the world.
"Our next goal is to ensure that you can fly out of Richmond to international locations," said Warner. "Whether it's the Caribbean or Canada or Europe, this is a step in that direction."
The airport saw a record 4.7 million passengers last year, according to the Capital Region Airport Commission. Warner said the new security measures are a proactive approach to accommodating the number of passengers as it continues to rise.
"The thing about airports [is] you want to get in and get out, Richmond's got that in terms of easy access," Warner said. "Making sure you don't have to wait in that TSA line is a step in the right direction, even attracting more traffic."
Construction for the new checkpoint is expected to begin at the end of 2026 and be complete by early 2028. According to airport representatives, the total cost is estimated to be around $40 million.