<body><div>The North Platte community got a look at the North Platte-New Places airport terminal Monday at Lee Bird Field, a $30 million building with a spectacular overhead skylight and room for more passengers, more visitors and more jets. The terminal receives its first flight on Tuesday evening, the daily flight from Denver. Passengers will disembark into the new building. The first flight out of town departs Wednesday morning, Airport Authority Vice-President Alan Erickson said.—Top Photo: City Councilman Ed Rieker and Cheri Erickson of the Prairie Arts Center in the front lobby Monday at the grand opening. Photos by George Lauby.—Designed with sustainability and comfort in mind, the terminal features abundant natural light, room to grow, an enclosed walkway bridge to board and disembark, as well as modern restrooms. Food and beverages can be purchased before and after passengers pass through the naturally-lit security screening hallway.“This terminal is an investment in the future of North Platte and western Nebraska,” Airport Manager Justin Gosnell said. “We’re proud to share how this facility will enhance the travel experience, support economic growth, and serve the region for years to come.”<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2Q47LV_1E1251zX00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2Q47LV_1E1251zX00" width="900" height="643" ><figcaption>The passenger waiting area , past the securty check in.</figcaption></figure>The new terminal building demonstrates growth to travelers, including business developers. Skywest passenger jets are near their 50-seat capacity on all twice-a-day flights to and from Denver.The new terminal is able to seat more than 100 people in the passenger waiting area. Another 150 or so visitors, such as family and friends, can wait in the front lobby. The enclosed walkway bridge to board or deboard planes can swing from one to another, so the building can comfortably handle three times the number of flights that currently land at the airport. Sen. Deb Fischer was instrumental in obtaining federal funds for the new terminal, allocating $7 million in discretionary funds to the project, and encouraging other senators to contribute, Erickson said. Other funds came from state and federal grants based on the numbers of passengers, as well as financial reserves of the airport authority. <figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=09Psil_1E1251zX00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=09Psil_1E1251zX00" width="800" height="586" ><figcaption>Alan Erickson , Vice-President of the North Platte Airport Authority</figcaption></figure>Also, private plane traffic is increasing at Lee Bird Field. On Monday, 10 planes were parked on the apron near the new terminal. One large jet, a Bombardier Challenger 850 with transcontinental range, carried golfers to Sandhills destinations. Private planes are serviced at Trego-Dugan, a family of companies that specialize in such services as jet management, private jet charter, aircraft acquisition, maintenance, and related services. The old terminal will be remodeled to become the new headquarters of Trego-Dugan.Erickson said work is just beginning on a new 15,000 square-foot hanger on the south side of the old terminal at a cost of $3.8 million. It is expected to open next spring. Ironside Construction is the contractor. The new terminal is a long-term dream. Erickson has served on the airport authority for nearly 30 years. He said eight years ago, it became apparent that “we needed to get going” to build a new hanger. He said more plans are in the works, including renovation of the main runway and collaborative efforts to ship goods by air with the Rail Park and Inland Port of the Plains near Hershey, although he doesn’t foresee them happening soon.“Everything takes at least a year here,” he said with a smile. The new terminal will capture, store, and re-use stormwater runoff to satisfy non-potable water demand. The overhead skylight has photovoltaic glass to provide renewable energy for some of the building systems, and a ground source geothermal heating and cooling system. The terminal parking lot features space for public transits, rideshares, and electric vehicle charging stations.The terminal exceeds minimum ADA standards and features a boarding bridge, code compliant restrooms, a mother’s room, and accommodations for service animals. Additional information is available at www.northplatteairport.com/new-placesFlights can be booked here.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=46ZBBj_1E1251zX00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=46ZBBj_1E1251zX00" width="900" height="792" ><figcaption>The naturally-lit security screening hallway . The checkerboard look is from the photovoltaic windows above.</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1bBXfh_1E1251zX00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1bBXfh_1E1251zX00" width="700" height="549" ><figcaption>The bridge to board and disembark. From left: Alan Erickson, North Platte Police Chief Steve Reeves and Region 51 Emergency Manager Brandon Myers.</figcaption></figure>© 2026 The North Platte Bulletin. All rights reserved!</div></body>

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— Top Photo: City Councilman Ed Rieker and Cheri Erickson of the Prairie Arts Center in the front lobby Monday at the grand opening. Photos by George Lauby. Designed with sustainability and comfort in mind, the terminal features abundant natural light, room to grow, an enclosed walkway bridge to board and disembark, as well as modern restrooms. Food and beverages can be purchased before and after passengers pass through the naturally-lit security screening hallway.

New regional airport terminal opens

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— Top Photo: City Councilman Ed Rieker and Cheri Erickson of the Prairie Arts Center in the front lobby Monday at the grand opening. Photos by George Lauby

New regional airport terminal opens

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