Travelers using Bradley International Airport in Connecticut will soon have more parking options. Airport officials confirmed that a new surface lot, to be built on the former rental‑car area on Schoephoester Road, will add about 1,500 spaces. When the project is finished, the airport’s total parking capacity will exceed 2,000 spaces, a significant increase from the current inventory.

Why the expansion is needed

Peak travel periods have repeatedly pushed the airport’s existing lots to capacity. Local resident Jillian Dauria, who lives in Windham, described the frustration of arriving to find the lower‑cost lots full, forcing her family to park in the more expensive garage. “You have to prepare to come and catch your flight,” Dauria said. “If some of the lots aren’t available, you’re spending more time looking for parking, and it’s confusing.”

Airport officials’ perspective

Brian Spyros, the public information officer for Bradley International Airport, said the parking project is part of a broader effort to keep the facility efficient for travelers. “We can certainly get close to capacity,” Spyros explained. “That’s why it’s really important to have those additional parking spaces for our passengers.” He added that the new lot will improve the overall passenger experience and help the airport handle future growth in traveler traffic.

Project details

The new lot, designated Surface Lot 3, will expand the existing area by roughly 14 acres. Construction is slated to begin this fall, with completion expected early next year. Once finished, the airport will have added more than 2,000 parking spaces overall through recent expansion efforts, including the upcoming surface lot and other improvements already underway.

Impact on the community

Bradley International Airport serves as a major gateway for western Connecticut and the surrounding region. Additional parking capacity is expected to reduce the time families and business travelers spend searching for a spot, allowing them to focus on their trips rather than logistics. Local businesses that rely on airport traffic may also benefit from smoother visitor flow.

Looking ahead

The airport continues to evaluate other upgrades aimed at enhancing the travel experience, from roadway improvements to terminal renovations. Officials say the parking expansion is one piece of a larger plan to keep the airport competitive and responsive to the needs of Connecticut’s residents and visitors.

Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.