Airport begins new terminal construction

Bordeaux Aéroport has started building a central structure that will link its two terminal halls, A and B, as part of a 140 million euro upgrade. The project is fully funded by the airport and regional banks, with no public money involved. The new facilities will open gradually from 2027, with full completion expected by late 2029. The recently renovated low-cost terminal billi is not part of this project.

New building design and purpose

The central building, designed by enia architectes, will have four levels and cost 70 million euros. It aims to simplify passenger movement by combining functions that are currently split between halls A and B. After check-in at either hall, travelers will reach a single entry point to the boarding areas. A 3,000 square meter security area will include five new security lines with updated procedures for electronic devices and liquids, following current regulations.

Central area and post-security services

A 5,000 square meter central area with runway views will house waiting areas, shops, dining, and services. Eventually, 70% of these services will be located after security checks, up from 30% today. A single 4,200 square meter baggage claim area will replace the separate spaces in halls A and B, streamlining the arrival process for passengers.

Phased construction timeline

The project will be delivered in stages. A new city-side facade is expected to be visible by late summer 2027. Starting in 2028, hall B will get a new check-in area with ten new counters. The first security lines will open, and baggage claim areas will be connected. The reconfiguration of boarding areas in hall B will be completed by the end of 2028. By summer 2029, the combined security checkpoint for both halls will be fully operational, with the first retail points in the central area. The full building is expected to be completed by late 2029.

Additional infrastructure and facilities

The project includes a new baggage handling system, improved border control areas, and new employee facilities such as offices, locker rooms, workshops, and living spaces. Talks with future commercial and dining operators are expected to begin in the second half of 2027. The airport plans to keep all operations running normally during construction, using enhanced signage, an information website, and a QR code-based conversational agent to help passengers navigate changes.

Construction logistics and environmental goals

The airport has already changed how passengers move between halls A and B, with internal routes now only available via an external path. Staff are on hand to assist passengers, and up to 300 workers will be on site at the project’s peak. The central building will be constructed without additional ground waterproofing. It aims for the HQE Bâtiment Durable, version 4.1, at the Excellent level. The roof will include 3,000 square meters of photovoltaic panels, expected to generate about 730 MWh annually, covering nearly 20% of the building’s energy needs. Rainwater collection and facade treatments will reduce summer heat and increase natural light.

Energy efficiency and sustainability focus

Heating will use geothermal energy and a planned connection to the future Aéroparc urban heating network. These measures focus on the building's performance and airport facilities, rather than emissions from flights. The project emphasizes sustainable design and operational efficiency throughout its construction and use.