The City of Dayton reaches an important milestone as the completion of the Terminal Modernization Project, phase one, at the Dayton International Airport (DAY) arrives this month. More than 100 consultants, engineers, architects, contractors, and airport personnel contributed to the nearly 29 million dollar project.

The newly built rental car building is on track to receive LEED Silver, while the remodeled front terminal facility has already received LEED Gold, the first City of Dayton projects to receive these designations. This project was designed and constructed with DAY’s almost two million air travelers’ wants and needs in the forefront. The goal was to provide an open, light-filled terminal, ADA along the entire curbside entrance, a unique visual ambiance that reflects the City of Dayton’s rich heritage in aviation, and still maintain the highest level of customer service.

These enhancements will also support current and future passenger growth with the airlines.

As the airport is known for being ‘easy to and through,’ the many parts and pieces of this project further this statement. Full glass curtain walls along the front entrance, terrazzo flooring depicting the history of aircraft in the Dayton region, additional restrooms, new HVAC, LEED certifications, lighted bollards along the ADA entrance drive and column down-lighting along the glass are some of these parts. There is a CNBC Express kiosk and illy coffee kiosk (to open shortly) located in the lobby. Two new glass shelters on the entrance drive island house valet parking and all other ground transportation.

“Since the day we first announced the Terminal Modernization Project, travelers and employees have been supportive and excited, constantly asking us when it will be completed,” said Gil Turner, interim airport director. “They have lived through this puzzle of construction, supporting staff in keeping the airport running efficiently while we push to make even bigger investments in customer experience.”

Parking on-airport continues to be the best value for DAY air travelers. Valet has a new rate of $24/day, and the Short Term Lot Park & Walk is now $18/day, located next to the ticketing entrance. Reserved parking is also available in the covered garage and can be found on the FlyDayton.com website, along with information about DAYperks, the airport’s parking loyalty program.

The City of Dayton implemented a tobacco-free campus for the airport on January 1, 2019. There is signage directing air travelers and employees to the two designated smoking areas.