โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
60
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Quad Cities International Airport operates a single terminal building divided into Concourse A and Concourse B, handling approximately 3,000 passengers daily across 40 flights to 11 nonstop destinations. The facility underwent its last major renovation in 2001, which doubled the terminal size and added modern amenities, though the landside infrastructure dates to 1985, predating TSA requirements, modern luggage systems, and ADA compliance standards.
Project GATEWAY, launched in spring 2024, represents a multi-phase transformation of the pre-security landside areas addressing nearly 40 years of deferred modernization. Phase One completed new baggage makeup facilities behind the existing terminal and updated ticketing counters, with Phase Two targeted for completion in summer 2027. The renovation acknowledges how air travel has evolved since the 1985 construction, when rollaboard suitcases didn't exist and security protocols were fundamentally different.
The terminal's post-security area between Concourses A and B features a centralized cluster of amenities including a snack bar, lounge, full-service bar, and Gevalia Kaffe Coffee Shop. Concourse B on the upper level, serving gates 6-11 for Delta and United operations, houses a CNBC News and Gift Shop along with additional retail options. The Destination Points frequent flyer lounge caters to regional business travelers flying eight or more times annually, while an art gallery near the security checkpoint showcases local and regional contemporary works.
The airport maintains its international designation through customs facilities dedicated to cargo and general aviation operations, though scheduled passenger service remains entirely domestic through Allegiant, American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Express. Service focuses on hub connections to Chicago O'Hare, Denver, Dallas/Fort Worth, Minneapolis-Saint Paul, and Atlanta, reflecting the Quad Cities' position as a mid-sized metropolitan area spanning the Illinois-Iowa border. With passenger traffic increasing 9% year-over-year in early 2025, the facility balances regional connectivity needs with infrastructure modernization requirements.
๐ Connection Tips
Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) serves the bi-state metropolitan area spanning Moline and Rock Island (Illinois) plus Davenport and Bettendorf (Iowa) through a single terminal currently undergoing the $60 million Project GATEWAY renovation transforming 1985-era infrastructure for modern air travel. On-site rental car desks from major agencies occupy the lower-level arrivals area, providing vehicle access for exploring the Illinois-Iowa Quad Cities region. Terminal amenities include the Destination Points frequent flyer lounge for passengers with eight or more annual flights, Gevalia Kaffe Coffee Shop, full-service bar, and art gallery near security showcasing regional contemporary works.
Four major airlines operate from the facility: Allegiant Air (Airbus A319/A320) to Orlando, Las Vegas, Clearwater, Phoenix/Mesa, and seasonal Sarasota; American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Express providing regional jet service to major hubs including Chicago O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Atlanta, Minneapolis-Saint Paul, and Denver. The airport's compact two-level design (check-in upper, arrivals lower) enables efficient 60-90 minute advance arrival for domestic flights through streamlined security processing. The facility's 9% year-over-year passenger growth reflects increasing regional connectivity serving manufacturing centers, agricultural businesses, and John Deere's global headquarters in nearby Moline, positioning MLI as a strategic alternative to Chicago O'Hare for western Illinois and eastern Iowa travelers.
Ground transportation features MetroLINK Route 20 providing daily public bus service between downtown Moline and the airport terminal, while designated rideshare pickup zones outside baggage claim serve Uber and Lyft with typical 5-10 minute response times. Project GATEWAY Phase One completed $16 million in modernization including updated ticketing counters and a new 14,600-square-foot baggage handling facility, while Phase Two's $20 million renovation of public areas will enhance accessibility with companion care restrooms and nursing mother suites through 2027.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is the primary international airport serving New Mexico, located just three miles southeast of downtown Albuquerque. The airport boasts a distinctive Pueblo-style architectural terminal, which is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. This single, multi-level terminal efficiently manages all arrivals and departures, featuring a logical layout designed for passenger convenience. The lower level is dedicated to arriving passengers, housing baggage claim areas (three in total to serve Concourses A and B) and providing direct exits to ground transportation.
The upper level of the terminal is the departure zone, where travelers will find airline ticketing counters, security checkpoints, and access to the two main concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A primarily serves American Airlines, Delta, and United, while Southwest Airlines predominantly operates out of Concourse B. The terminal has a total of 22 gates, ensuring ample capacity for its scheduled domestic flights and limited international services. Recent upgrades include a TSA Checkpoint Terminal Connector Project, which has enhanced security screening with up to four lanes and modern passenger amenities like new escalators and elevators.
Amenities at ABQ are comprehensive for a regional international facility. Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi, numerous charging stations, a variety of shops (including those offering local artisanal gifts), and diverse dining options ranging from cafes and fast-food outlets to restaurants serving New Mexican cuisine. Additional facilities like a Meditation Room and an observation deck contribute to a comfortable travel experience, complemented by a notable art collection displayed throughout the terminal.
๐ Connection Tips
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) offers excellent ground transportation connectivity just 3 miles southeast of downtown. ABQ RIDE provides completely free bus service (fare-free since November 2023) with Route 50 connecting the airport to downtown via Union Square Bus Station every 15-30 minutes, taking just 24 minutes total - the bus stop is conveniently located on the lower level at the west end of the shuttle island. Route 50 also connects to the Alvarado Transportation Center downtown where passengers can transfer to the New Mexico Rail Runner Express.
Rail Runner connections are enhanced through Route 350 (Railrunner Connecting bus) and free bus transfers when you have a valid Rail Runner ticket purchased in advance online or via mobile app - otherwise pay the driver a $1 fare each way. Official taxi service is available with fares starting at $35 to downtown Albuquerque through companies like ABQ Metro Taxi (505-450-8580) and Aspen Rides (505-388-3692). Ride-sharing via Uber and Lyft requires pre-booking as street hailing is not permitted.
For Santa Fe destinations, Groome Transportation operates 30 daily trips taking 75 minutes with variable pricing, while RoadRunner Charter provides door-to-door service to Santa Fe and Los Alamos areas. The Rail Runner Express connects Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Belen with convenient airport shuttle connections. Recent December 2025 improvements under the ABQ RIDE Forward Network Plan enhanced transit connectivity throughout the metropolitan area.
โ Back to Quad Cities International Airport