FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The Fresno Yosemite International Airport had its first flight take off after the completion of the new state-of-the-art terminal on Wednesday night.

At 98,000 square feet, the project is the largest expansion in the airport’s 77-year history.

Earlier in the day, the City of Fresno unveiled its new international terminal, the largest expansion in Fresno Yosemite International Airport’s 77-year history.

“I have a saying, ‘Great cities have great airports, and Fresno is well on our way to having a great airport,'” said Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer.

The price tag for the airport’s state-of-the-art terminal is around $150M.

The four-year modernization project was made possible in part through federal funds secured by Congressman Jim Costa.

“That includes grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Community Project Funding as well — separate funding; the American Rescue Plan and the CARES Act, all of these separate funding sources matching with what the City of Fresno has done provides over $85M in federal, federal monies,” said Rep. Jim Costa (D), Fresno.

The new international terminal is more than a modernization.

“The 98,000 square foot expansion includes two new gates that will be used for both domestic and international travel,” said Mayor Dyer.

Aeromexico says the expansive space now enhances the flying experience for international travelers, offering two direct flights to those flying to Guadalajara, which is Fresno’s sister city.

“It’s nice, especially because the Hispanic and Latino community make up the majority of our Central Valley, and to be able to receive them with authentic Mexican cuisine from Los Amigos, the art that we have here, that just makes it feel like you’re at home,” said Andrea Jimenez, Aeromexico in Fresno

“This airport has created hundreds of local jobs and will continue to bring shoppers, visitors, tourists, Bulldog fans from across the country and across the world who are going to be shopping here, spending their dollars, and adding to the economic benefit to the City of Fresno for generations to come,” said Fresno City Council Member Tyler Maxwell.

The next phase of the airport’s refresh project will be completed by the end of next year. The scope of the project will include two additional gates, a new parking garage structure with double the capacity of the current structure, and a new 190-ft air traffic control tower.

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