LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. – Ever go to catch a flight at ABE only to end up at the end of the overflow lot because the long-term lot is packed?

It’s a common problem as last year ABE had 1,067,000 passengers come through its doors.

Airport Authority officials say while they anticipate passenger numbers will continue to break records in the future, parking will soon be less of an issue thanks to a new parking structure.

“This is, you know, over a $50 million project for sure, when you look at the walkway, the five-level parking structure. So, there’s a lot of investment, certainly, to bring this project to ABE,” said Thomas Stoudt, Executive Director of Lehigh Northampton Airport Authority. 

The new parking structure will be built right across from the main terminal and will create 1000 additional parking spaces with a covered, climate-controlled walkway to ticket counters and security.

Part of the project was made possible thanks to a $2 million grant secured by Congressman Ryan Mackenzie.

Those funds will be used for elevators and escalators.

Mackenzie says when completed, the project will make ABE an even more popular alternative to Philly and Newark Airports.

“You can more much more easily and quickly get from parking to your plane, get on your travel, and obviously a lot of new routes that are coming through ABE here. So, we just want to continue to expand and grow on what is an already successful airport,” said Mackenzie.

Construction on the parking deck is set to being in the fall.

Airport officials say it’s just the latest upgrade, later this year construction on an onsite Marriott Hotel is expected to be complete.

American Airlines just announced a route to Chicago.

And a possible merger between Allegiant and Sun Country Airlines could result in even more routes at ABE.

Currently, Sun Country flies to several international destinations like Canada, Mexico and Cozumel.

The merger is subject to federal approval.