Last week, the Mobile Airport Authority (MAA) shared an update on the opening of the new terminal at Mobile International Airport (BFM). The facility is expected to open in fall 2026, with the first flight anticipated by November. The revised timeline allows the project team to maintain the airport’s critical $381 million budget while continuing steady progress on construction.

MAA leadership emphasized that the decision reflects a commitment to delivering a high-quality terminal on budget, an investment that will serve Mobile and Baldwin Counties for decades to come.

“We were pushing, all along, a really aggressive timeline,” said Mobile Airport Authority Chairman Luckett Robinson. “We had to decide whether being on budget or being on time was more important. The mayor and I agreed that completing it on budget was the biggest priority.”

RELATED: Mobile International Airport opening timeline revised

Construction remains on pace for substantial completion of the terminal by September 2026. Key supporting infrastructure, including a 1,250-space parking garage and elevated roadway, is slated to be finished by March 2026, with the surrounding infrastructure wrapping up ahead of final interior work.

The terminal is designed to meet international standards and to offer benefits such as lower airfares, more direct flights, increased tourism, and economic development opportunities in the region. Construction began in 2022 with the goal of relocating commercial airline services closer to downtown Mobile to improve convenience for passengers.

As part of maintaining the project’s financial targets, the team conducted value-added engineering earlier this year to refine the scope without sacrificing functionality. Adjustments included scaling back on select features such as camera counts and some interior finishes.

“It’s an exciting time,” said Robinson. “We believe the terminal will be really successful. It will provide a great gateway for business and leisure travelers to come.”

The terminal will open with five gates, with the ability to expand to twelve to accommodate future growth. Upon opening, Delta, United, and American Airlines will transition their operations from Mobile Regional Airport to the new facility.

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