The Monterey Peninsula Airport District, operator of Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), and partners broke ground on June 6, 2025, on a replacement passenger terminal, marking the first step in elevating the experience for travelers, airport employees and other users.
One project of many in the MRY Metamorphosis Safety Enhancement Program (SEP), which is a Federal Aviation Administration requirement to enhance safety at the airport, the new terminal will deliver a modern, accessible and efficient travel experience when passengers begin using it in 2027.
Contracting partners include HOK, terminal architects; Hensel Phelps, terminal developer; Otto Construction, roadway and public parking developer; and Graniterock Vanguard, JV, commercial aircraft apron developer.
The airport's board and administration staff, currently serving travelers from a terminal constructed in the 1950s, celebrated a significant milestone in MRY's history along with partners and community members. With a ceremonial dirt drop from a bucket loader and cutting of a ribbon, the airport took a giant leap forward in delivering a state-of-the-art travel experience for Monterey area residents and visitors.
In addition to breaking ground on the new 62,754-sq.-ft. of public space terminal with five gates and boarding bridges, airport representatives and partners celebrated the near completion of the replacement 425,000 sq.-ft. commercial aircraft apron — with parking for eight airplanes — being constructed alongside the future terminal site. The $200 million-plus MRY Metamorphosis SEP, which includes roadway circulation and safety upgrades and a new 440-space public parking lot, is made possible through multiple and significant federal grants.
"The Central Coast deserves aviation infrastructure that keeps pace with our region's economic, environmental and cultural dynamism," said U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta. "The new terminal at Monterey Regional Airport will deliver a safer, highly efficient and more comfortable travel experience for residents, businesspeople and visitors alike. I'm proud that we were able to secure federal funding for this project and build a continued partnership with local leaders so that together we will have an airport that benefits everyone."
Other projects in the SEP include an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) station that opened in 2023, new general aviation hangars on the airport's northside completed in 2023 and the future relocation of Taxiway A, the final phase of the SEP.
"Monterey Regional Airport is undergoing a metamorphosis, a significant transformation that our passengers and other users will soon enjoy experiencing for decades to come," said Carl Miller, Monterey Airport Peninsula District board of directors chair.
MRY Executive Director Michael La Pier retired from MRY at the conclusion of the groundbreaking event after serving as the airport's executive director since July 2015 and after a 44-year career in the aviation industry.
Sustainability has been an important focus for the MRY Metamorphosis SEP, with staff and contracting partners focused on these goals:
• ARFF station — LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver-certified (achieved);
• Replacement passenger terminal — LEED Platinum-certified; and
• Commercial aircraft apron — Envision Silver rating.
In addition to federal grants, funding for the MRY Metamorphosis SEP is made possible through airport revenues and passenger user fees. Airport revenues include parking fees, landing fees and rents from concessionaires and other tenants. State and local taxes are not being used to fund the program.
