Dayton airport construction brings modernization to new terminal

Thousands in Dayton are traveling for the Memorial Day holiday, which includes using the airport where customers are seeing a huge construction project moving into its final phase.

The airport terminal has been under construction for over a year now to open up the entire place with glass walls designed to honor the Wright Brothers and the birthplace of Aviation.

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It’s designed to attract more customers, which will also help the airport keep its newly upgraded industry rating.

An assessment by S&P Global Ratings just revised DIA’s outlook from negative to stable, saying the passenger numbers decline has stopped, the airport is organizationally effective and the economy of the service area has been classified as strong.

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Customers says they like that the airport is becoming more modernized.

“Looks like it’s progressing. I think everybody likes to see things be modernized a little bit more,” said Anna resident Eric Sielschott.

“I think it’s great that they’re modernizing,” said Centerville resident Pamela Keen.

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Airport Director Terry Slaybaugh says the upgrade is a tribute to the power of the city and the region.

“Not only do we have a phenomenal terminal that’s easy to navigate but Dayton’s excellent economy and people have given the future of our airport new light.”

The work to upgrade the terminal is expected to finish this September.