Airport updates: What to know as parking ramp construction nears; how to weigh in on long-term plan

Construction is about ready to start on the new four-level parking ramp at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport — which means changes for travelers.

The $63 million project is scheduled to begin construction April 3 and last until October 2024.

“We’re excited to begin construction on this project as our new parking structure will provide much-needed parking capacity for our passengers,” Dan Letellier, executive director of Sioux Falls Regional Airport, said in a statement. “We recognize the inconvenience this may cause during the construction phase and are committed to keeping our passengers informed and making the process as smooth as possible.” 

Here’s what you need to know:

Parking is already tight

If you’ve used the airport lately, you’ve probably discovered for yourself that the short- and long-term lots are full most of the time even now.

“February and March are the highest-use months for public parking,” Letellier said. “We experienced a 20 percent increase in the number of vehicles in the month of February, coming close to our total capacity of 3,100 spaces. March has been on par with what we experienced last March, with close to 2,800 cars in the lot.”

It’s going to get tighter

The new parking ramp will stand where the current short-term and north long-term parking lots exist and include a skyway from the second level to the main terminal.

Because of construction, parking will be limited — with about two-thirds of the current long-term spaces and no short-term parking available. During the project, most travelers will need to use the Economy Lot, which will have 500 more spaces added this summer to ensure more parking is available for next winter.

Get there sooner; take the shuttle

Letellier recommends arriving 90 minutes to two hours before a flight if you need to find a parking spot.

At least two shuttles will be running constantly from 4 a.m. until midnight or whenever the last flight gets in.

“They will operate to and from the Economy Lot only, with pickups near the two parking shuttles in the lot,” Letellier said. “For trips back to the lot, the pickup is just outside the baggage claim exits in the center median.”

Changes will be made inside the airport too

Work inside the airport also will start in mid-April, when the main entrance will close. Construction will start across from the United Airlines ticket counter and continue inside the main-floor restrooms by early summer.

Planning for the future  

The Sioux Falls Regional Airport will hold an open house from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at the Downtown Library to give an update on its 20-year master plan for layout, improvement and expansion. There will be a brief presentation at 5:45 p.m.

There will be a chance to learn about proposed plans, ask questions and give feedback.

Much of the Airport Authority’s discussion about long-range plans has included adding more gates.

It recently approved a plan to add eight gates, though the timing and funding plan isn’t established.

Airport board approves plan to add up to 8 gates