Bradley Airport gets federal funding for new 80,000-sq.-ft. baggage inspection facility

Contributed Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks.

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Bradley International Airport has received $5.4 million in federal funding for the ongoing construction of an 80,000-square-foot checked baggage inspection system behind the Sheraton Hotel.

The project will enable baggage to be sent from airline ticket counters on a mile-long conveyor belt to the new facility for screening.

Once the new system is in operation, current explosive-detection machines located in the terminal lobby will be removed.

The project will free up space for current and future airlines and create additional gate space for aircraft, according to an announcement from the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA).

“The CAA is extremely appreciative of the funding we’ve received from the federal government as we continue to develop and enhance Bradley International Airport,” said Kevin A. Dillon, executive director of the CAA.

The funding comes from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which has set aside $970 million in grants for its Airport Terminal Program, which is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The FAA is providing funding to 104 airports across the country, focusing on terminal reconstruction, development, accessibility and energy efficiency.

In addition to the $5.4 million, Bradley received $76 million from the FAA in 2023 for the new checked baggage inspection facility.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $151 million. The balance will be paid for by passenger facility charges and airport revenue.

“This significant investment in Connecticut’s transportation infrastructure will be a gamechanger for passengers at Bradley International Airport – streamlining the check-in process and allowing for more gates, which increases the number of flight options,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn).

Bradley is New England’s second-largest airport and has a nearly $3.6 billion economic impact on the regional economy, according to the CAA.