DAYTON — The City of Dayton is asking the Federal Aviation Administration for $13 million to help upgrade the experience people have at Dayton International Airport.
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This new federal money the city is looking for would transform one of the two spots where people board their planes: Concourse B.
“I think that’s a great idea. Since they already did the A concourse and the front, it looks beautiful,” Paul Bacon, a Maryland-based passenger, said. “It really needs it on this end too.”
Bacon joined hundreds of others in Concourse B on Wednesday. He flies six times a week and told News Center 7 that Dayton isn’t the biggest airport but in some ways, it can be close to the best.
“It’s very simple to get through,” Bacon said. “Quick to check-in and I fly in and out of major airports most of the time. It’s a pleasure coming here.”
As reported on News Center 7 at 5:30, the city said they need better passenger waiting areas around the gates, improved efficiency with new LED lights and signs, and serious behind-the-scenes infrastructure upgrades.
“The hold room areas are the public-facing areas are going to be renovated, so it’ll give it a new, fresher look and a better customer experience,” Daniel Zenk, Dayton International Airport’s Deputy Director of Aviation, said.
Zenk said if the FAA grant comes through, the money would pay for repairs for the huge skylight in the terminal but other than that, it’s all Concourse B upgrades.
Dayton airport leaders believe the FAA budget and decision on their $13 million won’t be finalized until after the November elections. If they get the grant, they will also be doing some upgrades at the Wright-Brothers Airport South in Miamisburg.
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