Set to be overhauled are two of the airport’s taxiways, the “West Apron,” and the airport’s automatic check-in baggage handling machinery. The airport will also invest in a $150,000 marketing agreement aimed at improving its market share and growing the number of passengers who utilize it. The bulk of the funding for the projects — 95% — will come from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program.
The Corpus Christi City Council approved the multi-million dollar overhauls without any public discussion as part of the “consent agenda” portion of its regular meeting on Tuesday, August 11. The vote was one of the first official acts led by Mayor Pro-tem Kaylynn Paxson, who is serving as Corpus Christi’s top elected official while Mayor Paulette M. Guajardo serves out a 30-day suspension after the council last week found her guilty of misconduct while in office.
The airport’s baggage handling system accounts for the largest share of improvement funding. Nearly $5.6 million will be spent to create a “consolidated baggage screening facility” behind the ticket counter, according to documents obtained by MySA. As part of the project, SpawGlass Contractors will relocate the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) baggage screening equipment away from public spaces, which will create more room in the ticketing lobby. Upgrades will also be made to the baggage system’s conveyor and security equipment.
Meanwhile, more than $2.5 million will go toward improving two of the airport’s taxiways — Taxiway Echo and the Taxiway K West Apron where ground crews work. During the FAA’s 2025 certification inspection, officials noted that the pavement on Taxiway Echo needed substantial “rehabilitation” to correct poor drainage that causes water to pond on the 2,000-foot-long taxiway which serves to connect the airport’s two primary runways. As such, the taxiway will be remilled and repaved.
Finally, in an effort to drive passenger growth, the council approved a $150,000 contract with Corpus Christi-based marketing firm Morehead Dotts Ryback. The council’s go-ahead allows the company to earn as much as $600,000 to market the airport if certain options are exercised.
“MDR will spearhead strategic marketing campaigns to elevate awareness of air service operations… and encourage regional travelers to fly local,” officials said.
The combined $8.1 million in improvement projects follow a $17.9 million overhaul of the building envelope, interior amenities, like a coffee shop and restaurant, upgraded public restrooms, and the addition of a “service animal relief area” and a room for nursing parents that the council approved in 2022.