“SMForward”: How $1.3 Billion Will Transform Sacramento Airport

This major Sacramento airport construction project is designed to increase capacity, improve passenger comfort, and prepare the airport for the next 20 years of growth. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a first-time visitor, big improvements are on the way.

What’s Included in the SMF Modernization Plan?

A New Skybridge at Sacramento Airport

A new 400-meter pedestrian bridge will connect Terminal B with Concourse B. Featuring moving walkways, elevators, and escalators, it gives passengers an easier, more accessible way to move around.

This upgrade will reduce dependency on the current people mover system and improve flow — a key part of the SMF modernization plan.

Expanding Concourse B: More Gates, More Flights

Six new gates will be built on the west side of Concourse B. This will ease congestion, allow for more flight options, and bring in new airlines in the future.

It’s a core part of how Sacramento airport is growing to meet rising demand.

Sacramento Airport Parking Garage Expansion

Parking is getting easier thanks to a five-level garage with 5,500 new spaces. This new Sacramento airport parking garage will ease peak-time stress and include smart signage to guide drivers to open spots.

Ground Transportation Improvements

A brand-new hub will bring together taxis, shuttles, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft in one central, easy-to-navigate location. It’s a big win for travelers trying to catch a ride quickly and safely.

New Rental Car Center at Sacramento Airport

A large rental car center at Sacramento airport (ConRAC) is coming soon. It will put all major rental brands in one location, close to Terminal A, reducing confusion and travel time for passengers.

Terminal A Expansion

A bigger Terminal A is also on the way, with more check-in counters and a new baggage carousel. This helps reduce wait times and supports the long-term growth of passenger numbers.

New Exit Road for Terminal A

Better traffic flow is coming. A new exit road will help ease congestion and improve shuttle and ride-share access — a smart fix for a common complaint.

Who’s Paying for the Sacramento Airport Expansion?

Great news: no local tax dollars are being used. This massive investment in the future of air travel in Sacramento is funded by:

• Federal grants (including FAA support)
• Airport-issued revenue bonds
• Internal airport revenues from airlines, shops, and parking

It’s a self-sustaining model that lets the airport grow without impacting the city’s budget.

Not Just Bigger — Better

The project isn’t just about size. It also focuses on quality and experience:

• Public art installations
• Sustainable building materials
• More natural light and open space
• Easier access for people with mobility needs

This is a transformation of how travelers will feel when they fly through Sacramento.

Why Now?

Passenger traffic is back — and growing. Sacramento is expanding as a hub for government, agriculture, business, and tech. If no action is taken, the airport could face overcrowding, long lines, and missed flights.

That’s why this Sacramento airport expansion isn’t just a renovation — it’s a long-term investment in the future of the entire region.

What Comes Next?

Beyond 2027, SMF is already planning:

• A possible new terminal at Sacramento airport (Terminal C with up to 12 gates)
• More gates in existing terminals
• A light rail connection to downtown Sacramento, making public transport more airport-friendly