Fresno Yosemite International Airport celebrated a milestone in its $150 million airport expansion — installing the final beam of the new terminal.

The city held what is known as a “topping off” ceremony Monday afternoon, with elected officials and iron workers signing the special white beam with an American flag and pine tree attached — representing the last one installed — before a giant crane picked it up and put the iron into place.

“Topping off represents a moment of great reflection, pride and celebration,” airport director Henry Thompson said.

The new terminal will feature larger boarding areas, international inspection area, a “friends and family plaza” to welcome international travelers, and concession areas.

New Terminal Expected to Open Next Fall

The city expects the new 96,500-square-foot terminal — which broke ground in May 2023 — to open next fall. Now just a frame, the roof will be placed by next month, with the walls and siding to follow.

Security screening will expand early next year.

Mayor Jerry Dyer said construction of the airport expansion provided a $90 million boost to the economy.

“You can’t claim to have a great city unless you have a great airport,” Dyer said.

Daytime Flight to Guadalajara Announced

Dyer also announced a new flight with the new terminal — a daytime flight on Alaska Airlines to Guadalajara.

Currently, the airport serves 2.4 million yearly passengers. City officials expect that number to rise with the new terminal.

Thompson told GV Wire that several other airlines are also interested in expanding with the new terminal, including two more international flights.

FYI currently flies to 16 different airports, including Chicago and Atlanta. The airport also has flights to three Mexican airports in Guadalajara, León, and Morelia.

Councilmember Tyler Maxwell, whose district includes the airport, said an expanded airport will lead to the more people knowing about Fresno.

“We introduce ourselves to more cities and more people across America and the world who may not have had the opportunity to learn more about Fresno otherwise,” Maxwell said.

The airport expansion is funded by federal grants, Measure C, passenger fees, and airport revenue bonds.

Community benefits include supporting a local workforce and generating increased economic activity. To date, the project has created 683 jobs with 436 jobs being local.

Construction Stats

One notable construction figure — no injuries in 25,000 work hours. Dyer called it “pretty remarkable” and “another shining example of our project labor agreement.”

The new terminal construction included, according to Duane Boreham, president of Q&D Construction:

• • 2,000 lineal feet of barricade and security fencing
  • Moving 40,000 cubic yards of dirt
  • 25,000 feet of conduit
  • 2,730 cubic yards of concrete
  • 615 tons of steel