May 28, 2025—Blue Grass Airport officials were joined by Kentucky State Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe and Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton to break ground on a new parking enhancement project designed to serve the airport’s growing traveler base. With annual total passenger numbers now exceeding 1.5 million, Blue Grass Airport is taking steps to expand parking capacity, improve traffic flow and reconfigure the airport roadway to ensure smoother, more efficient access to the terminal.
“We’re thrilled to be moving forward with this parking initiative as part of our ongoing commitment to providing convenient, hassle-free amenities for our region,” said Brian Wells, chair of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Airport Board. “With the significant passenger growth that we’ve been fortunate to experience over the past several years, this expansion will allow us to both better meet current demand and plan for the future. It’s an exciting step in ensuring our airport continues to deliver a seamless and welcoming gateway to our community and all that it offers.”
A key factor contributing to this record-setting growth was the addition of new flights to Lexington, including the highly sought-after destinations of Denver (United Airlines), New York (Delta Air Lines), Las Vegas (Allegiant), Miami (American Airlines, seasonal) and Sarasota/Bradenton (Allegiant). These new routes, combined with increased frequency to other destinations by all four airlines, contributed to significant passenger growth. The growth from 2024 alone exceeded 16 percent over the previous year.
Specific elements of the new parking enhancements include:
- Reconfiguration of a portion of the Terminal Drive loop
- Addition of 815 long-term parking spaces
- Construction of a second covered walkway featuring a promenade for passengers
- Development of a new exit plaza with an additional exit lane to accommodate passenger volume during peak flight arrival times
- Creation of a designated exit for flight crew and registered credit card users
- Installation of two emergency call stations in passenger parking areas
- Construction of a new employee parking lot and an underground utility corridor
“Blue Grass Airport is more than a gateway to and from Kentucky—it’s a powerful driver of jobs, tourism and economic growth for our region,” said Kentucky State Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe. “These improvements reflect our commitment to supporting that growth, enhancing the travel experience for Kentuckians and visitors alike, and keeping our airport competitive and convenient for years to come.” This $17.8 million project will begin this summer, with completion anticipated by late spring 2026. Made possible through a collaboration of funds between Blue Grass Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration and a $5 million state grant, the project was designed in partnership with Hanson Engineers. Throughout construction, the airport is committed to minimizing disruption. Short-term, long-term and valet parking options will continue to be available, and clear communication and signage will help guide passengers as needed.
This project is one of several recent parking initiatives Blue Grass Airport has undertaken to enhance the passenger experience. New technology has recently been installed in the short-term and long-term parking lots, eliminating the need for paper parking tickets. License plate recognition now allows for a smooth, ticketless entry and exit process—giving travelers one less worry. In the near future, passengers will also be able to create an online account linked to a registered credit card, enabling contactless parking without ever having to reach for their wallet.