As the holiday season rolls around, St. Louis Lambert International Airport grows busy with travelers all over the country and world traveling to see their families. The airport accommodates both domestic and international flights, facilitating a diverse range of traffic through layovers and connecting flights. Yet, behind all the regular airport chaos, travelers have historically faced increased wait times due to the airport’s limited capacity. That’s why Lambert adopted the West Airfield Program in December of 2022, aiming to make the airport more efficient by modernizing operations and improving passenger service. The construction started on Oct. 13, 2025, including two major projects: a new airport maintenance and snow removal equipment facility, and combining the current two terminals into one. 

The airport’s problems with time were explicitly seen last summer when long lines infuriated passengers and caused them to miss their flights, drawing the attention of city officials to an airport remodel. In addition, it was also sparked by frequent travelers like sophomore Natalie House, who wanted to see change. Throughout the year, House travels across the country from Lambert for softball. Arriving on time for her games is crucial, but she often finds herself getting stuck at the airport.

“Earlier this month, I was traveling to Tampa, [Fla.], but my flight got delayed at Lambert. That night, we were gonna go to the beach, but instead of being able to go, we had to go straight to our hotel room because we had an early game,” House said. 

However, wait times aren’t the only cause motivating new changes. For the last few decades, residents haven’t seen much change to the airport. It’s held onto its old style, but has also left everything else to rust as well. 

St. Louis houses not only a system of domestic travel but a large international flight system as well. When students like junior Milkshake Stewart travel, they seek a contemporary airport, but find the opposite. Milkshake Stewart travels annually to Cozumel, Mexico, over winter break for a week to enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling and more. However, before the fun starts in Cozumel, Stewart has to begin his vacation at the Lambert Airport.

“I believe that the St. Louis airport needs renovations because, for as long as I can remember, nothing has changed. I have gone to other airports, which were super classy and modern, while St. Louis’s airport seems like it’s stuck in the past. Renovating the airports would make people who are flying actually excited to go to the airport, knowing there are good restaurants and a nice, new, clean place to be,” Stewart said.

The project is currently in its design phase and is being administered through HOK, a global architecture firm. HOK has been successful in remodeling major airports such as O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, LaGuardia Airport in New York and Salt Lake City International Airport. These remodels have done wonders for the airports, bringing in more passengers and keeping them safe. Prior to the remodel, LaGuardia had leaky ceilings, cramped corridors, rodent sightings and broken escalators. Travelers often referred to it as “disgusting” and “crappy,” much different from its reputation now as a spacious, state-of-the-art airport. The St. Louis also receives similar critical comments as travelers prior to LaGuardia’s renovation from residents like sophomore Sloan Schrewe, who look for a change. 

“I feel like our airport definitely needs [remodeling] because every time I go, it [feels] dirty. I’ve been to airports in Vancouver, and there’s artwork everywhere. I feel like the good parts of our airport are hidden, like the art area near the luggage terminal. They should highlight that a little bit more,” Schrewe said. 

The airport is the first impression that visitors have of St. Louis, so planners hope to elevate the experience. St. Louis has always been an important place for fostering connections because of its central location in the country, which has helped develop the cultural diversity it has today. This culture is hoped to be brought out through their local elements at the airport, such as adding concessions of toasted ravioli and frozen custard. This would help generate revenue and can help future generations of St. Louis feel more connected and proud of their town’s roots. Further, with the new changes, there are hopes that St. Louis’ culture will continue to grow as tourists and immigrants bring their unique experiences.

While this plan is still in the works, the airport has outlined a few steps. For example, travelers will be able to explore the additional retail space between layovers and free time at the airport. Additionally, finding a parking spot should be easier after these renovations, as the parking spots are increasing from 2,000 to 7,400 spaces.

“I’m excited for the new changes because we’re getting new stores, and there [will be] more things to do while waiting for my flights. I would also love for my flights not to be delayed so we can do everything we want during my softball travel weekends,” House said. 

The airport is due for an upgrade, and it’s finally happening. Lambert isn’t just updating buildings — it’s transforming how St. Louis connects with the world. From travelers to locals, everyone will be able to experience the city’s growth right in its gateway.