EUGENE — The Eugene Airport on July 7 hosted the “Lift Off EUG Expansion Showcase,” bringing together federal, state and regional leaders, higher education partners and community stakeholders to mark one year of feasibility work and to chart the path forward for the region’s primary airport, including the funding still needed to complete it. The event drew nearly 100 attendees.
Airport leadership presented the status of funded Concourse A improvements now underway and outlined the next phase of the expansion.
The second phase, estimated at $240 million and not yet fully funded, would add expanded ticketing and baggage systems, as well as a new eight-gate concourse, Concourse C. The concourse would include a charter-capable swing gate designed to accommodate larger aircraft and ease boarding and deplaning for athletic programs and other large traveling groups.
“Strong infrastructure creates strong communities. The Eugene Airport is an investment in the region’s future and holds the promise of connecting people, businesses and opportunities. Investments like these will strengthen Oregon’s economy,” said Gov. Tina Kotek in a statement.
The need to expand
EUG serves a five-county region – Lane, Linn, Benton, Lincoln and Douglas – home to nearly 700,000 residents, or nearly one in six Oregonians.
“This, right here, is our bridge to the world and, more importantly, the world’s bridge to us,” said U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle of Oregon’s 4th Congressional District. “The only way Oregon’s economy can be strong is if we are strong across all the regions.”
The airport handled 1.8 million passengers in 2025 and has operated at or beyond gate capacity since September 2021. That constraint limits the region’s access to nonstop destinations and larger aircraft, and pushes approximately 30% of regional air travelers to drive to Portland International Airport instead.
“Eugene Airport has been running out of runway since 2021 — out of gates, out of room, turning away growth,” said Oregon State Rep. Nancy Nathanson of House District 13. “This region is ready.”
EUG supports more than 10,000 local jobs and generates approximately $1.6 billion in annual regional economic activity. Full expansion is projected to more than double that impact – to 23,561 jobs and an estimated $3.6 billion annually.
More nonstop routes and greater gate capacity would benefit travelers, businesses and institutions across all five counties. The University of Oregon, Oregon State University and regional colleges stand to gain improved connectivity for students, faculty, researchers and traveling athletic programs. The expansion also strengthens the Southern Willamette Valley Innovation Corridor’s ability to attract investment and talent from national and global markets.
“The flight plan has been filed, and the gate is open for loading,” said Eugene Airport Director Cathryn Stephens, A.A.E. “This expansion is not aspirational – it is long overdue.”
