BOZEMAN — July was the busiest month at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, so a four-and-a-half-year plan has been put in place to ease the initial pain.

Susan Sanders was visiting her family in Billings and said that Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) was her preferred travel destination.

“With the changes, you have to adapt and expand, whether it’s expanding the airport and its space or expanding the availability and boarding and disembarkation options for people,” says Sanders.

The airport handled 1.5 million passengers in 2019 and expects 2.6 million passengers this year.

Brian Sprenger, CEO of BZN, believes that as the number of travelers increases, so does the need for expansion.

“Overall, we expect costs of around $180 million. It will be the largest airport project in Montana’s history,” says Sprenger.

They found that there were problems with parking and at security checkpoints, as well as recurring problems with baggage claim.

“As we continue to grow, we will continue to face challenges in the future if we do not provide the necessary infrastructure,” says Sprenger.

The airport plans to expand the baggage claim area by adding three high-capacity conveyor belts, add a second security checkpoint at the east end and build a third floor for airport administration offices.

“On the second level, the goal is to add three more goals so that we have a total of 15,” says Sprenger.

With plans to open additional BZN markets, restaurants and lounge areas, it is not expected that there will be a Chili’s or Applebee’s in the near future.

“Here at the airport, we place great emphasis on local branding and focus on the airport rather than on a national basis,” says Sprenger.

Sprenger believes the plan, which will be implemented over the next four and a half years, will not have too much of an impact on travelers.

“We don’t have to move baggage claim outside, as is the case with some airport projects, but can handle it entirely indoors. The biggest limitation, however, will be at baggage claim, where we will lose some of our queuing and passage space,” says Sprenger.

And what about goals?

“We will lose two gates during the construction period. Fortunately, they will only be used during peak periods,” says Sprenger.

Sanders is looking forward to continuing to be able to catch flights at BZN Airport despite the changes.

“I knew it then and I’ve seen what it’s become and I know it’s expanding, so I’m sure it’s going to be wonderful,” Sanders says.