Long Beach Airport Breaks Ground on Passenger Concourse Enhancements

Long Beach Airport (LGB) has begun construction on a $37 million concourse improvement project, with PGAL leading the architectural design to strengthen the airport’s role as a key Southern California gateway ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Passenger Concourse Enhancement Project modernizes post-security areas while preserving the airport’s open-air, traveler-friendly character, a defining part of its reputation as “America’s Coolest Airport.”

With global attention turning to the Los Angeles region, PGAL’s design prepares the airport to welcome increased passenger volumes while maintaining the qualities that set it apart. The enhancements focus on improving circulation, comfort, and clarity throughout the concourse, ensuring a seamless experience for both first-time visitors and frequent travelers.

Planned upgrades include reconfigured seating and queuing areas to reduce congestion, new seating with integrated charging, upgraded restrooms, and modernized gate podiums. Expanded wayfinding signage and updated flight information displays will improve navigation, while outdoor improvements introduce enhanced garden areas, shaded seating, and a dedicated service animal relief area. Each element reflects PGAL’s emphasis on intuitive passenger flow and a strong indoor-outdoor connection that reinforces the airport’s distinct sense of place.

Behind the scenes, infrastructure improvements will enhance long-term performance. Upgrades to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems will be integrated alongside energy-efficient LED lighting and the addition of a backup generator, supporting both resilience and sustainability.

Construction will be phased to maintain full airport operations, with completion anticipated in 2027, ahead of the Olympic Games.

Through thoughtful, experience-driven design, PGAL continues to support Long Beach Airport’s evolution, ensuring it remains a welcoming, efficient, and distinctly Southern California front door as the world arrives in 2028.