Why are airport terminals so expensive? $9.5B for JFK Makeover...

[NoleATL]

It definitely needs it, but sheeeeeeeessshhhhh. I know ATL has over a billion in collected PFCs so maybe that will help.

 

[TJ8869]

Windsocks don't grow on trees.

 

[Milt31]

Construction?....in New York!!??

 

[Formerly Rockymtnole]

I’m going to go out on a limb and say it’s a combination of inept government and construction companies ripping off said inept government.

 

[BlIIlken2]

Cartels gotta launder

 

[mnole03]

$4k a sqft seems reasonable. Does it have Park views?

 

[DogBoyRy]

It definitely needs it, but sheeeeeeeessshhhhh. I know ATL has over a billion in collected PFCs so maybe that will help.

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Davis-Beacon is a start.

 

[Bank of Hawk]

Status symbol for international visitors

 

[BioHawk]

Status symbol for international visitors

This. Most American airports were designed and built in the 60's with the birth and growth of jet travel. Since then, other countries and cities have built newer and far more modern terminals that put the ones in the states to shame. Not to mention they are far more efficient to manage travelers and cheaper to run. So, you are seeing many cities put in the cash to bring their airports up to speed.

You can certainly debate if doing these upgrades are worth it though, especially for the prices they cost. I imagine costs are higher too since they can't just close the airport while construction is taking place.

 

[bhawk24bob]

Because we just built Reno at LaGuardia and it’s time to build Vegas

 

[DogBoyRy]

This. Most American airports were designed and built in the 60's with the birth and growth of jet travel. Since then, other countries and cities have built newer and far more modern terminals that put the ones in the states to shame. Not to mention they are far more efficient to manage travelers and cheaper to run. So, you are seeing many cities put in the cash to bring their airports up to speed.

You can certainly debate if doing these upgrades are worth it though, especially for the prices they cost. I imagine costs are higher too since they can't just close the airport while construction is taking place.

They have also been collecting massive 9/11 taxes.

 

[Phenomenally Frantastic]

 

[lucas80]

How much is being spent to harden the infrastructure to withstand more superstorms like Sandy? JFK is a large airport that needs a lot of upgrades. I’m not shocked by that number.

 

[LesClaypool]

Huh?

 

[Phenomenally Frantastic]

Huh?

$9,500,000,000…

…for an airport facelift. Not even a new airport. Just renovating one that already exists….and it’s in New York… right…

 

[Phenomenally Frantastic]

Wait till you see the cost “overruns”