Bordeaux Airport announced this week the start of construction. Built on four levels, the central building will become the single point of entry to the boarding gates of both halls. It forms the centerpiece of a 140 million euro transformation program, designed by the agency enia architects. The recently remodeled Billi terminal is not affected. Throughout the duration of the work, the airport is committed to maintaining 100 % of its operations.
Security, services and luggage grouped together
The building will house a 3,000 m² security area equipped with five control lines and new-generation equipment. A central area of 5,000 m² will be dedicated to waiting and retail. A unique baggage delivery hall of 4,200 m² will complete the whole. In the long term, 70 % of the service offering will be located after the security checks, compared to 30 % today. Furthermore, the program includes ten new check-in desks, reconfigured boarding areas, a new baggage handling system and improvements to the cross-border control areas. The airport also intends to prepare itself to welcome new airlines, « Both low-cost and premium ".
A project delivered in stages until 2029
The new city side façade will be visible by the end of summer 2027. In early 2028, passengers will discover a new departure route with a new check-in area in Hall B, the first security lines and baggage claim areas. The new configuration of the boarding gates in Hall B will be completed by the end of 2028. The single screening station in both halls will open in summer 2029, before the full delivery of the building in late 2029. To guide travelers, the airport is deploying a conversational agent accessible via QR code, a dedicated website and enhanced signage.« This is a much more extensive modernization project than an extension: we want to better accommodate all those who use the airport platform on a daily basis, and provide our passengers with more services, serenity, and travel comfort. »That's why we are here," emphasizes Simon Dreschel, President of the Board of Directors of Bordeaux Aéroport.
The project also aims for HQE Bâtiment Durable certification at the Excellent level. In the roof, 3,000 m² of photovoltaic panels will produce approximately 730 MWh per year, which is nearly 20% % of the building’s energy needs. The financing, provided by the airport and a pool of regional banks, is accompanied by a rate linked to CSR objectives.
For business travelers, the main gains in registration and security will therefore not occur until early 2028. Until then, the airport promises to maintain its operations, without specifying the effect of the work on transit times.
