OWENSBORO, KY (WFIE) -
A new look at the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport.
Last night, officials unveiled the terminal expansion project that began earlier this year.
If it's been a while since the last time you flew out of the airport in Owensboro, it's going to look a little different.
"We're very satisfied with the product we're gonna put on display today," said Airport Director Bob Whitmer.
Whitmer believes travelers will be happy with the results of the terminal's facelift.
"It certainly needed an update in numerous ways. I think, though, they'll see a more, you know, modern, you know, clean, well-lit facility that, you know, they haven't seen in the past," said Whitmer.
One of those updates includes quadrupling the size of the holding area where passengers go after the security checkpoint.
Bathrooms were also added in that area as well.
"Anyone that's flown out of here, out of Evansville, Owensboro, the Tri-State, will tell you that it was very uncomfortable being held in our holding area, which was way too small," said Whitmer.
Travel agents in Owensboro note that the update is a good move.
"Opening it up some, expanding it, making it more friendly to those coming in so that they can get around easier and not feel like they're herded around," said Joy Miller with AAA Owensboro.
Whitmer points out that the baggage claim area has tripled in size.
The operational area for employees has grown, too, which helps keep bags protected during inclement weather.
Whitmer wants these changes to help travelers have a smooth flight, even before they take off.
"You can park right up next to the terminal," said Whitmer. "You can, you know, enter and leave with very little difficulty. You don't have to wait for a shuttle to take you, you know, half a mile in a parking lot."
Whitmer says the cost of construction alone was over $2 million. The project took about nine months to finish.
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