The Reno-Tahoe International Airport is breaking ground on a multi-year expansion. The airport says it's the largest announcement in its history. 

"It is a huge, bold move for the airport authority," said Daren Griffin, President and C.E.O. of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority.

The construction project is being called MoreRNO.

It includes a $500 million dollar expansion, including demolition and reconstruction of the B and C concourses.  The original buildings were built almost 45 years ago. The demolition and construction of the new structures will not begin until 2024. 

It will add five additional gates, bringing the total to 28 at the airport. 

"There will be lots of natural light, lots of windows," said Griffin.

They will be starting with a large renovation and expansion of the ticketing area. It is a $37 million effort. That begins now.

"That alone will add more room and amenities for passengers in our ticketing hall," said Griffin. 

The drive up to the airport pickup and drop off locations have already been altered for construction.  

At today's announcement are U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, and U.S. Representative Mark Amodei, as well as RTAA Board Chairman Adam Kramer and RTAA CEO Daren Griffin.   

"As the area continues to expand and wants to draw more good kind of commerce, having phenomenal airport infrastructure is a must," said Rep. Amodei.

Anyone traveling to the airport should allow extra time to park and get through the added traffic and construction activity.  

The entire MORE RNO project will wrap up in 2029.Â