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The QCBJ devotes the Newsmakers series to looking back on some of the biggest and most noteworthy stories we covered in 2025 across the Quad Cities region. Each story also includes a small update on the topic or news event. The stories are not ranked, but rather, appear in chronological order.
The original story ran April 2025
Since the Quad Cities International Airport launched Phase One of the remodel of its 40-year-old terminal, Ashleigh Johnston, QCIA public relations and marketing manager, said the airport is continuing to reshape this key regional transportation hub into a modern, passenger-focused facility built to meet the demands of today’s travel environment.
The first phase focused primarily on infrastructure upgrades to a terminal originally built before 9/11 and the creation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It required significant modernization to support new technologies.
“Feedback from travelers and tenants has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting smoother operations and the convenience of automated baggage screening,” Ms. Johnston said.
Importantly, Project Gateway’s Phase Two is expected to begin in late February 2026 and take about 18 months to complete. As with the first phase, she said, timing will be guided by the availability of federal infrastructure grants.
“Ensuring a share of these funds flow into the Quad Cities helps reinforce the airport’s role as an economic driver for the region,” Ms. Johnston said. For example, QCIA remains committed to using local labor and contractors whenever possible, keeping investment dollars within the community and supporting local jobs.
Phase Two will include new terrazzo flooring, upgraded restrooms, nursing mother suites, adult changing tables, expanded food and beverage options, and soft lounge seating.
Plans also call for an indoor/outdoor lounge, relocated public meeting space, and new digital displays and wayfinding.
Future phases will add a protective canopy over the passenger drop-off lane and expand the TSA exit lane to enhance comfort, safety and efficiency for travelers across the region, she said.
— Kenda Burrows
