FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — City leaders gathered Wednesday for a ribbon cutting ceremony at Fresno Yosemite International Airport, officially unveiling the largest terminal expansion project in the airport’s history.
The 95,000 square foot terminal expansion, known as FATforward, (or Fresno Air Terminal Forward) is designed to accommodate Fresno’s growth and record breaking passenger demand.
Fresno Yosemite International Airport unveils new signage.
Mayor Jerry Dyer said the timing of the expansion reflects a surge in air travel. In 2024 alone, Fresno Yosemite International Airport served more than 2.5 million passengers: the highest number in its history.
We don’t want people driving to San Francisco or Los Angeles or anywhere else to get a flight. We want them flying out of Fresno
Explained Dyer.
The expansion adds two new domestic and international passenger gates, larger boarding areas to reduce congestion, and two additional aircraft parking positions.
Security is also getting a major upgrade. The Transportation Security Administration checkpoint has expanded by 8,000 square feet, allowing TSA to operate up to five screening lanes at once.
Fresno Yosemite International Airport unveils the largest terminal expansion project in the airport’s history.
City officials emphasized that the $150 million project was completed without using city general fund dollars.
“There’s no charge to the general fund,” said Francisco Partida, Interim Director of Aviation. “Residents that do not use the airport do not pay for the airport.”
Funding for the project came from federal infrastructure grants, including Federal Aviation Administration and TSA funding, passenger facility charges, Measure C funds and airport revenue bonds.
City leaders say the project also had a significant economic impact, creating about 750 jobs, 500 of them filled by local workers.
Beyond travel efficiency, Mayor Dyer said the expansion also reflects the identity of the Central Valley.
New art installations throughout the terminal were created in partnership with the Fresno Arts Council and feature artwork inspired by the region’s agricultural roots and landscape.
Local artist Erik Niemann said his piece, Valley Deluge, draws inspiration from Lake Tulare.
“I abstract agricultural patterns. This painting is all about the reemergence of Lake Tulare ” Niemann said.
Mayor Dyer said the artwork is meant to give travelers a sense of place the moment they arrive.
“These murals reflect our people, our agricultural roots, and the beautiful landscape that makes our city so special and so unique,” Dyer said.
The terminal will also feature new local dining options, including Mad Duck and Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant. Both are expected to open by mid January.