The Springfield‐Branson National Airport says passenger growth has been so rapid in recent years that the airport is adding more parking.
Construction is now underway on more than 700 additional parking spots. This is on top of the 300 spots added less than three years ago.
A spokesman says airports across the country have seen record growth the past couple of years and keeping up with parking is a challenge.
In Springfield, the lots are often full, with some vehicles parked in what would normally be no‐ parking zones.
“We should have about 200 temporary parking spots open in a few weeks,” says Dave Schaumburg, the airport’s director of operations. “And by the end of this construction season we’ll have pavement down for 746 new spots. When the work is done we’ll have parking for approximately 2,700 total vehicles.”
More parking isn’t the only improvement coming to the airport. By end of the year valet parking will be available. This will allow customers to pull up to the terminal.
Once they’re unloaded an attendant will park the vehicle for them.
And in 2020, the airport says it plans to add charging stations for electric vehicles.
A covered sidewalk in the center of the parking lots is also in the plans if the budget allows for it.
