From Beijing to New York: Comparing the Cost per Square Foot of Recent Airport Terminal Construction Projects 

The cost per square foot of an airport terminal can vary widely depending on several factors, such as location, materials used, and design features. In general, airport terminals are among the most expensive types of buildings to construct due to their complex design, high-tech systems, and specialized infrastructure.

According to industry sources, the average cost per square foot for a new airport terminal in the United States can range from $1,400 to $2,400 per square foot. However, this estimate is highly variable and can be influenced by a variety of factors such as project scope, location, design, materials used, and construction costs.

For example, a large airport terminal that features high-end finishes and cutting-edge technology will likely cost more per square foot than a smaller, more basic terminal with fewer amenities. Additionally, location can have a significant impact on costs, with urban areas generally costing more due to higher land prices and labor costs.

It is important to note that the cost per square foot of an airport terminal is just one aspect of the overall project budget. Other significant costs associated with airport terminal construction include site preparation, infrastructure improvements, and specialized systems such as baggage handling, security, and passenger screening.

In summary, the cost per square foot of an airport terminal can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, making it difficult to provide a precise estimate. However, based on industry estimates, the cost per square foot for a new airport terminal in the United States typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 per square foot.

Here are some examples of recent airport terminal construction costs:

1. LaGuardia Airport Terminal B, New York City, USA – $4 billion for a 1.3 million-square-foot terminal, completed in 2020.
2. Beijing Daxing International Airport Terminal, Beijing, China – $12 billion for a 7.5 million-square-foot terminal, completed in 2019.
3. Istanbul Airport Terminal, Istanbul, Turkey – $12 billion for a 12.5 million-square-foot terminal, completed in 2019.
4. Abu Dhabi International Airport Midfield Terminal, Abu Dhabi, UAE – $3 billion for a 3 million-square-foot terminal, completed in 2019.
5. Salt Lake City International Airport Terminal, Salt Lake City, USA – $4.1 billion for a 1.7 million-square-foot terminal, completed in 2020.

It’s important to note that the construction costs for airport terminals can vary widely depending on several factors such as location, materials used, and design features. The examples listed above are some of the most expensive and large-scale airport terminal projects completed in recent years.