Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is undertaking the largest modernization endeavor since the opening of the existing departures terminal in 1974. This includes phased projects that will enhance the passenger experience and increase operational efficiencies for the airlines, tenants and Norfolk Airport Authority.
As the major airport serving coastal Virginia and northeast North Carolina, Norfolk Airport ranks in the top 13% of U.S. airports with more than 4.5 million passengers and more than 75,000 flight operations in 2023. Skytrax has awarded Norfolk Airport a 4-Star Regional Airport rating. Among 572 airports rated in the 2023 survey, Norfolk Airport was one of just seven 4-Star airports in the United States. Skytrax annual ratings are known as a global benchmark of airport standards.
Concourse A
Concourse A Expansion Will Meet Growing Demand
Concourse A will add three new gates and hold rooms, as well as new restrooms and a pet relief area. This added capacity will replace current ground loading facilities and provide gate-connected overnight aircraft parking. The project is underway with an estimated completion in early 2026.
Moving Walkways
A Seamless Journey is Coming
To facilitate passenger transfer between the Arrivals and Departures terminals, moving walkways are being installed on the pedestrian bridge between the two buildings. This project is underway with anticipated completion in early summer 2025.
Hotel
New Hotel Landing at Norfolk Airport
Norfolk Airport Authority has partnered with ORF Hospitality Partners to introduce the Courtyard by Marriott, redefining airport hospitality with its strategic location and exceptional amenities.
Travelers will soon have access to an onsite hotel offering indoor access to and from ORF's Departures Terminal. A 165-room Courtyard by Marriott property will feature stylish accommodations, a top-floor bar with airfield views as well as full-service dining spaces. The hotel will provide seamless navigation for passengers and airline crews and offer a remarkable onsite travel experience. The Courtyard by Marriott is expected to take 18-24 months to construct upon completion of design.
Courtyard by Marriott hotels offer unique features that cater to the needs of modern travelers, blending innovation, style, and comfort to create a dynamic hotel experience. Work will break ground in summer 2025 with an expected completion date in late 2026.
International Arrivals
Norfolk Airport to Add Modernized International Arrivals Facility
In conjunction with the Concourse A expansion project, a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Federal Inspection Services facility is being constructed. Designed in coordination with CBP to process international passengers, it will also include a Global Entry processing center. The project is underway with completion by early 2026.
Runway Rehab
Sustainable Upgrades Extend Runway Life
A multiyear effort to resurface ORF's primary commercial runway was completed in late 2024. Improvements were also made to Runway 05/23's airfield lighting and adjacent taxiways. The runway’s concrete ends were crushed and left in place to form a base for a hot mix asphalt overlay that serves as the runway’s new surface material. This prevented more than 33,000 cubic yards of waste from being hauled by truck to nearby landfills, eliminating the 263,000 miles of road traffic, 52,000 gallons of consumed fuel and 460 tons of CO2 emissions that would have resulted had those truck trips occurred.
Car Rental
A Modernized Rental Facility
A new rental car facility will be built south of the Departures Terminal to consolidate all rental car companies into one location with rentals, pickups and return service functions taking place under one roof. Quick turnaround (QTA) facilities are efficient for both customers and rental car agencies and reduce the need to take cars offsite for servicing. Relocating car rentals will also return existing garage spaces for public parking use. Stay tuned for more details on the construction timeline.
On Approach
Terminal Development Projects
Terminal Development Projects are undertaken to increase airport operating efficiencies for the passengers, airlines, tenants and TSA. Construction dates are not yet determined but plans tentatively include:
- Consolidated check-in lobby
- Consolidated TSA checkpoint
- Consolidated Checked Baggage Inspection System (CBIS)
- Expanded baggage make-up area
- New shipping and receiving area