Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico (GAP) has partnered with The Design Solution to redesign Guadalajara Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport.
GAP, which says it wants to create the “best airport in Mexico” at its home base in Guadalajara, plans to invest 10 billion Pesos (US$504m) by 2026.
The plan includes an additional runway and new terminal building as well as a 6 billion Pesos (US$302m) redesign of the commercial space in the existing building. The new space is due to open on a phased basis over the next 2 years before being fully open in 2023.
The current terminal opened in 1966 and the objective of the terminal redesign is to rationalize passenger flows, creating engaging touchpoints along the passenger journey, from security to gate, with a visionary design that unifies the entire experience, says The Design Solution which is working with commercial consultants Pragma Consulting.
The new plan optimizes previously under-utilized space, creating a significantly enlarged commercial zone with a revitalized area containing a dynamic mix of retail, bars, restaurants, pop-up sites and other customer service facilities.
The core airside commercial area currently covers 5,700 square meters and that will increase to 7,250 square meters.
“It is always a challenge to transform older terminals that have evolved through piecemeal development, especially those that were predominantly assembled before commercial revenues became so important. These new designs will create a world class facility and passenger experience fitting for GAP’s ambitions to transform Guadalajara International Airport and to maximise its commercial potential,” says Design Solution Director Graeme Johns.
The design will rationalize passenger flows through the terminal to create an intuitive route in the airside commercial area, fostering more direct engagement with the greater exposure to stores, restaurants, bars, pop-ups and seasonal event experiences.
Guadalajara is in the heart of the Tequila region and many design elements are inspired by the shape of the harvested Agave plant used in the producing the spirit.
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico also worked with The Design Solution at Sangster Montego Bay Airport in Jamaica, and at Los Cabos airport in Mexico–both of which it also operates, reports GAP CEO Raul Revuelta.
Guadalajara airport is the country’s third largest airport, handling almost 15m passengers in 2019. The new development will increase capacity to 30 million passengers per year, an increase of 60% more flights.
Pre-pandemic passenger growth was double-digit and the airport anticipates a return to growth in due course.
