NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A nearly $1 billion renovation is about to break ground at the Norfolk International Airport (ORF). From a new hotel to terminal upgrades, this project aims to update a more than 50-year-old facility.
The major renovation is expected to consist of many different projects.
On Monday, ORF plans to break ground on a new Customs and Border Patrol inspections facility. While the airport does not have daily international destinations at the moment, they do take in some charters and international flight diversions. They hope the renovation will allow the opportunity to add international flights on the schedule.
Later this year, ORF plans to break ground on a new airport hotel. The big piece of this project, with construction starting in the near future, is a brand new departures building. This is where travelers will check their bags and get tickets. This is expected to join a new rental car facility and three new gates in Concourse A.
ORF hopes these changes streamline the traveling process for anyone flying in and out of the airport.
“We’re bringing the airport into the modern age,” said Mark Perryman, president of the Norfolk International Airport. “This has been a great facility, but it’s 50 plus years old now. A lot of the systems that are not seen by the general public will be upgraded. Speed of baggage, speed of the various elements that you don’t necessarily see.”
Airport administrators said they are still working on moving walkways for the bridge connecting the parking garages to security checkpoints, but states they are having supply chain issues with European manufacturers.
They hope to make progress later this year.
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.