Piece by Piece

PT World | Annual Showcase 2026
19 Nov 2025

Building and expanding airport facilities using modular construction methods means reduced operational costs, more efficient building processes and a better passenger experience

Many airports are facing the dual challenges of aging infrastructure and increasing passenger demand. A report from Airports Council International (ACI) estimates that US airports will need nearly US$174bn in improvements in the next four years, largely driven by the need to “modernize and expand gate capacity as a result of increasing passenger demand and aging facilities.”

Modular construction offers a way to make these necessary upgrades with minimal passenger disruption and modernize facilities without demolishing them entirely.

Modular construction comes in several forms and is not new within the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, but a handful of aviation projects have now benefited from the ‘off-site’ modular approach, and more airports are considering this approach where expansion across an already busy facility is a challenge. The High C Gates at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and the Corgan-designed Concourse D widening project at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) illustrate the benefits that modular construction can bring to project timelines and costs.

Piece by Piece - PT World | Annual Showcase 2026 - 19 Nov 2025