New TSA Checkpoint / Terminal Connector Opens Next Week

August 24th, 2023 | Airport News

91,272 passengers choose ABE in July

(Hanover Township, PA) – After nearly 50 years, passengers at Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) will begin processing through the new TSA Checkpoint and Terminal Connector on Wednesday, August 30^th.

“Service isn’t just one of our core values, service is what this airport is known for within the region. We are confident our new TSA Checkpoint and Terminal Connector further elevates the customer service at ABE,” said Thomas R. Stoudt, Executive Director, Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority.

In July, 91,272 passengers traveled through ABE.

Month             Passengers              Percentage decrease          Month                 Passengers

July ’23               91,272                                  (6.2%)                     July ’22                   97,401

By the numbers, United increased 5.2%. Meanwhile, Allegiant and American decreased slightly at 5.6% and 7.2% respectively, and Delta passenger traffic declined 16.7% from last July. 

Last month, Airport officials unveiled the new $35-million infrastructure investment with U.S. DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Congresswoman Susan Wild, PA Governor Josh Shapiro, other federal / state / local leaders, and organizations from across the Lehigh Valley.

“This was one of the very first projects that we were able to announce last year that we funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL),” said Secretary Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Department of Transportation.

The new facility addresses critical operational needs which include:

• an additional lane for TSA security processing (with the potential for expansion)
• improved vertical circulation equipment
• shorter walking distances with separation of arriving and departing passengers
• medical-grade air purification (LifeAire System)

ABE is the first airport in the world to install a LifeAire System – which is built in the Lehigh Valley. The system reduces airborne pathogens (including COVID-19) by more than 99% and achieved a 96% reduction in harmful surface pathogens in a recent health care study.

“The Airport has served as a critical piece of infrastructure and economic driver for the Lehigh Valley. It has provided jobs, brought visitors, and connected our thriving local economy to the rest of the country and the world,” said U.S. Congresswoman Susan Wild.

“The additional space increases our capacity to screen more travelers comfortably and efficiently than the previous space allowed. The environment of the new space is a once-in-a-generation modern checkpoint not only built for today, but also with an eye toward the future with infrastructure for state-of-the art technologies as they come online,” said Karen Keys-Turner, Transportation Security Administration Federal Security Director for the Airport.

Besides the financial commitment of the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority (LNAA), the project received strong funding support from federal and state leaders.

“This expansion should send a clear message that Allentown and the Lehigh Valley are ready to drive innovation and economic opportunity on a national and global scale,” said Governor Josh Shapiro, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Inside the New Terminal Connector:

Building Concrete – 1,220 cubic yards

Site Concrete – 290 cubic yards

Steel – 275 tons (550,000 pounds)

Glass – 31 tons (62,000 pounds)

Metal Panels – 18 tons (36,200 pounds)

Terrazzo Floor – 16,800 square feet

Data & Electrical Wiring – 83 miles

Asphalt Pavement – 2,370 tons

Micropiles – 215 total with depths of 20 to 160 feet

“Collectively, this infrastructure project alleviated operations challenges, streamlined the way people will travel through ABE, and continues to position the Airport for further growth and expansion,” said Stoudt.

21,613,546 pounds of air cargo was processed through Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) in July – an increase of 17.1% from July 2022.

Month             CARGO (lbs.)              Percentage increase         Month            CARGO (lbs.)

July ‘23             21,613,546                             17.1%                      July ’22            18,444,364