The Corpus Christi International Airport is set to undergo more than $8.1 million in upgrades both inside and out thanks largely in part to federal grant funding.
Set to be overhauled are two of the airport’s taxiways, the “West Apron,” and the airport’s automatic check-in baggage handling machinery. The airport will also invest in a $150,000 marketing agreement aimed at improving its market share and growing the number of passengers who utilize it. The bulk of the funding for the projects – 95% – will come from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program.
The terminal entrance of the Corpus Christi International Airport is seen in this undated photograph. (Matthew Meza/Courtesy Corpus Christi International Airport)
The Corpus Christi City Council approved the multi-million dollar overhauls without any public discussion as part of the “consent agenda” portion of its regular meeting on Tuesday, August 11. The vote was one of the first official acts led by Mayor Pro-tem Kaylynn Paxson, who is serving as Corpus Christi’s top elected official while Mayor Paulette M. Guajardo serves out a 30-day suspension after the council last week found her guilty of misconduct while in office.
“The Council approved three major enhancement initiatives at Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA) that will advance terminal modernization, airfield safety, and passenger recruitment,” city officials said in a statement after the meeting.
An artistic rendering shows what the new automatic baggage handling system will look like at the Corpus Christi International Airport. (Courtesy city of Corpus Christi)
The airport’s baggage handling system accounts for the largest share of improvement funding. Nearly $5.6 million will be spent to create a “consolidated baggage screening facility” behind the ticket counter, according to documents obtained by MySA. As part of the project, SpawGlass Contractors will relocate the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) baggage screening equipment away from public spaces, which will create more room in the ticketing lobby. Upgrades will also be made to the baggage system’s conveyor and security equipment.
Taxiway Echo is seen highlighted in this aerial view of the Corpus Christi International Airport. The taxiway will undergo a nearly $1.8 million rehabilitation project to improve the pavement surface and reduce water ponding. (Courtesy city of Corpus Christi)
Meanwhile, more than $2.5 million will go toward improving two of the airport’s taxiways – Taxiway Echo and the Taxiway K West Apron where ground crews work. During the FAA’s 2025 certification inspection, officials noted that the pavement on Taxiway Echo needed substantial “rehabilitation” to correct poor drainage that causes water to pond on the 2,000-foot-long taxiway which serves to connect the airport’s two primary runways. As such, the taxiway will be remilled and repaved.
Finally, in an effort to drive passenger growth, the council approved a $150,000 contract with Corpus Christi-based marketing firm Morehead Dotts Ryback. The council’s go-ahead allows the company to earn as much as $600,000 to market the airport if certain options are exercised.
“MDR will spearhead strategic marketing campaigns to elevate awareness of air service operations… and encourage regional travelers to fly local,” officials said.
The combined $8.1 million in improvement projects follow a $17.9 million overhaul of the building envelope, interior amenities, like a coffee shop and restaurant, upgraded public restrooms, and the addition of a “service animal relief area” and a room for nursing parents that the council approved in 2022.
This article originally published at Big changes as this Texas airport gets $8.1M upgrades – here’s where.