Reno-Tahoe International Airport, New Concourses

Across the U.S., airports are grappling with surging passenger demand while aging infrastructure struggles to keep pace. Concourses built decades ago for smaller aircraft and fewer travelers no longer meet today’s expectations. Reno-Tahoe International Airport faced an urgent challenge: by 2024, RNO was serving nearly 4.8 million passengers in concourses dating to the early 1980s. The airport needed a future-ready solution that would elevate airline and traveler experiences while expanding revenue through reimagined concessions, advertising, and gaming.

The design introduces two new concourses with 24 gates capable of accommodating larger aircraft while preserving Reno’s hallmark ease of travel. A bold rusted-metal roof signals arrival, while natural materials and masonry celebrate regional traditions and a convey sense of place. Extensive glazing frames Sierra Nevada views, and new skylights and expanded interior volume bring a sense of openness to the all-electric, sustainably designed concourses. Inclusive amenities, from nursing rooms to pet relief areas, reflect the community’s commitment to hospitality and accessibility.

The new concourses elevate the passenger journey with more spacious gate lounges, expanded local concessions, outdoor terraces, and modernized restroom amenities. The airport’s new central utility plant is projected to reduce water consumption by 77% and cut energy use intensity by 50%, positioning RNO among the region’s most sustainable airports. By weaving together innovation, natural beauty, and cultural authenticity, the upgraded airport becomes a gateway that honors Reno’s resilient past while embracing its future.