XNA Terminal Apron Expansion & Reconstruction

Project Overview

The terminal apron at Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) is expanding to keep pace with one of the country’s fastest-growing regions and Emery Sapp & Sons (ESS) is helping lay the groundwork for what’s next.

As part of the airport’s Terminal Apron Rehabilitation Program, ESS is reconstructing the existing terminal apron and Taxiway H while expanding the concrete apron between Taxiways E and F to create additional aircraft parking and de-icing locations. The fast-track project includes removal of existing pavement, earthwork, nearly 58,000 square yards of concrete pavement, asphalt shoulders, stormwater infrastructure, trench drains, underdrain systems, airfield lighting, and pavement markings. The project also features ESS’s first glycol diversion structure, a specialized underground storage and routing system designed to support the airport’s de-icing operations.

To accelerate construction and minimize impacts to active airfield operations, ESS is implementing optimized, field-proven construction approaches, including stringless paving technology and an on-site concrete batch plant that provides greater schedule control and consistent product quality. Crews are also reutilizing the airport’s original cement-treated base (CTB), preserving underlying base courses by removing only the upper pavement section before paving back over the stabilized foundation, reducing unnecessary reconstruction while maintaining performance.

Working adjacent to live aircraft operations requires detailed phasing, strict FOD management, and continuous coordination to maintain safe access throughout construction. By keeping critical taxiway connections operational during each phase, ESS is helping Northwest Arkansas continue to grow while positioning the airport for future terminal expansion and long-term airfield improvements.