In September 2004, Governor Tim Pawlenty and then-MAC Chairwoman Vicki Tigwell unveiled a “20/20 Vision” to meet the air service capacity and economic demands of the region through the year 2020.

"20/20 Vision" is a three-phase, $854 million airport expansion plan that includes at least 46 new aircraft gates at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The plan also provides for improved check-in and baggage screening systems in both terminals, better utilization of the new Humphrey Terminal, additional parking capacity and simplified highway signage for people trying to identify the appropriate terminal for their flight. A private developer may be solicited to construct a 400-room hotel at the airport if financially feasible.

In the first phase of the plan, the Humphrey Terminal would expand to 22 gates, up from the current 10. Expansion of the Humphrey Terminal would provide room for non-SkyTeam airlines to operate there, freeing up space for the SkyTeam (Northwest, Continental, Delta and KLM) to expand at the Lindbergh Terminal. The Humphrey Terminal expansion would involve construction of seven gates at the building's north end and five gates at its south end. The move of the non-SkyTeam carriers and their approximately 6.5 million annual passengers to the Humphrey Terminal also necessitates expansion of parking, ground transportation, concessions, security screening and auto rental facilities there.

Phase 1 Lindbergh Terminal improvements are divided into four categories: 1) Development and installation of in-line baggage screening; 2) Modifications to concourses C and E, the ticket lobby and baggage claim after non-SkyTeam airlines relocate to the Humphrey Terminal; 3) Airfield improvements to facilitate ground movements of aircraft using Runway 17/35; and 4) Preliminary design work associated with a proposed tram to be constructed in Phase 2 of the Lindbergh Terminal expansion (design work for this Phase 2 project must begin early due to the lead time necessary to develop an automated tram system).

The first phase is expected to cost $372 million, including $283 million for the Humphrey Terminal expansion, $83 million for Lindbergh Terminal improvements and $6 million for other projects. Anticipated funding would come from passenger facility charges ($198,606), federal aid ($25,586), tenant funding ($21,011), general airport revenue bonds ($90,750) and MAC funds ($36,047).

Originally scheduled to begin in the autumn of 2005, construction has been deferred until at least 2008 due to slower-than-anticipated airline growth at MSP. As that time nears, MAC board members will again assess gate needs at MSP to determine whether construction should commence in 2008 or be further delayed.

Click on the following links for details of the plan as originally announced and of its projected economic impacts. Note that some aspects of the plan will change and evolve as specific needs are identified.

"20/20 Vision" Economics

"20/20 Vision" Facilities