Dane County Regional Airport (DCRA) celebrated the completion of its South Terminal expansion. We're checking out what's new and what's yet to come at our local airport.

Check out the new South Terminal updates at the MSN Airport. | Photo by Dane County Regional Airport, Shawn Harper

With the addition of three new gates, the South Terminal Expansion project enables the airport to offer more flights via the now 16 total gates available. This includes daily nonstop flights to Washington DC via American Airlines, a new seasonal option that debuted this month.

This $85 million project includes more gate seating, restroom expansions + renovations, and the implementation of eco-friendly HVAC systems in jet bridges, seating areas, and common spaces.

Get some work done during your layover at the desk stations. | Photo by Dane County Regional Airport, Shawn Harper

The new terminal totals 90,000 sqft spanning over two separate levels. The 45,000 sqft upper floor is a public space dedicated for travelers to use. The lower level, also 45,000 sqft, is dedicated to airport faculty use. Think: maintenance workshops + airport infrastructure.

With the new terminal updates, you'll wish for a long layover at MSN airport. | Photo by Dane County Regional Airport, Shawn Harper

What's new

Three new gates
Lounge area
Expanded business center
Play area
Nursing suite
Changing station for adults with special needs
Pet relief zone

What's to come

This South Terminal update is only phase one of this two-phase project. Now that the terminal is completed and open, phase two is soon to begin. This entails the demolition of the south end of the airport — where the previous South Terminal was.

The previous terminal was built to accommodate smaller commuter planes. With both phases complete, the airport will be able to host not only more planes, but larger planes as well, subsequently allowing for increased flight capacity. Phase two is estimated to wrap up in early 2024.