CONFIRMED: This Massive Airport Expansion Is Set to Open in 2026

A major American airport is set to undergo a billion-dollars worth of changes!

©Norfolk International Airport

Norfolk International Airport (ORF) in Virginia is dedicating $1 billion for an expansion project that will add tons of new space and offerings! Whether you’re flying to Disney World or your next big adventure out of ORF, here’s what you need to know about this expensive project and what will yield from it…

Construction at Norfolk International Airport is not a new development, but this year’s $1 billion capital improvement project will see the airport fully transform into something we’ve yet to see.

Gresham Smith/Norfolk International Airport

The project bit of the expansion that’s slated to finish was the new Customs and Border Patrol facility not far from Concourse A. This facility overhauled the airport’s customs operations and serves as a processing center for the new Cancun flight that was recently added to the airport. It will also serve future international direct flights and host interviews for the U.S. Global Entry program, per reports.

Gresham Smith/Norfolk International Airport

ORF CEO Mark Perryman revealed to News 3 WTKR that “2026 is almost the apex year,” and construction really gets going with the Concourse A expansion, which is currently slated to open in March or April. This expanded area will feature three new gates occupied by American Airlines, and will also include traveler amenities such as the new High Tide Bar and Grill, pet relief area, and new bathrooms.

This $25 million expansion will boast a higher ceiling and glass walls and is being constructed to meet a growing passenger and departure demand.

Work on a new rental car facility began south of the south short-term lot, as woodland was cleared out to make space. News 3 reports that construction is set begin this summer, “with a planned opening in late 2027. Rental operations will eventually move there, freeing up parking spaces at other structures that were once dedicated to rentals. The new facility will connect to the Departures terminal via a sky bridge, News 3 reports.

Gresham Smith/Norfolk International Airport

Fall 2026 will see work begin on the consolidation of two security checkpoints. ORF currently has a major design flaw, where travelers must go through TSA security AFTER entering Concourse A or B — which means if you get to your gate and realize you were in the wrong concourse, you’ll have to backtrack to the lobby and do the whole security song and dance all over again.

This project will combine the checkpoints into one large checkpoint in the lobby. To make space, the airport is removing The Local restaurant, the Burger King location, and the Hudson News location.

Gresham Smith/Norfolk International Airport

While the airport is removing some dining options, travelers can rest assured knowing new concessions are on the way. In 2025, ORF announced a partnership with two new operators, and more are coming. Per News 3 and Perryman, “current concessions are split 50-50 in their locations before and after security,” which actually isn’t ideal for folks who have already gone through security, looking to grab a bite.

Over the next two years, more options will be placed after security, featuring local brands such as CoVa Brewing Company, Warriors Taphouse, Ghost Kitchen, and Town Center Cold Pressed.

©Cova Brewing Co

Tons of other projects are also ongoing. Runway 14/32 was closed to make way for a second airport main entrance via Robin Hood Road, and work on that — as well as a new intersection — is continuing this year. Additionally, a new ticketing area is being constructed at the Departures terminal beginning early next year.

Developmental snags have arisen for a new on-site hotel, but Perryman told News 3 that the airport is still trying to move forward with that project. He said, “We’re kind of going back to the drawing board. We’ve hired a hotel consultant to assist us.” Ideally, all the work will be done by late 2028 or early 2029.

Gresham Smith/Norfolk International Airport

We’ll be monitoring progress at ORF as it continues, as well as other major airport news around the country. Keep it posted right here at DFB for all the latest airport and travel updates!

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