The Sacramento County Department of Airports, which operates Sacramento International Airport (SMF), announced SMForward, a $1.3 billion expansion project that in the coming years include added gates, a larger terminal, a host of new amenities, and new consolidated rental car facility.
SMForward begins this year with six projects highlighted by construction of a $140 million state-of-the-art pedestrian walkway connecting Terminal B to Concourse B, empowering passengers with the flexibility to choose between a leisurely walk to their gate or utilizing the airport’s efficient train system.
Other projects include expansions to both Terminal A and Concourse B, which will add gates and new amenities; a new Terminal B parking garage; and a consolidated ground transportation center that will centralize taxi, rideshare, and off-site shuttle providers into a single area that is walkable from both terminals.
SMForward will conclude in late 2027 with the completion of a new $400 million consolidated rental car facility, allowing passengers access to the airport’s rental car providers without the need to ride a shuttle bus.
“The airport experience is the first impression many people see when they arrive in Northern California – and the last as they leave,” said Cindy Nichol, director of Sacramento County Department of Airports. “SMForward will change the airport’s skyline, but it also sets the stage for the airport’s growth and our region as a whole.”
The project is aimed at helping Sacramento be more competitive as a destination, attract more visitors and businesses, and ultimately contribute to the growth of the region. The improvements will be financed through a combination of federal and state grants, municipal bonds issued by the airport, and user fees.
“Over the next five years, this transformation will create world-class facilities that will enhance our customer’s travel experience while improving crucial infrastructure to meet our growth,” added Nichol. “Our airfield has plenty of capacity, but our parking, concourses, and roadways have several choke points. SMForward will address these issues and create an airport ready to serve the modern passenger.”
