Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Anyone going to the airport, to pickup or drop off someone, has noticed the convoluted looking roadway to get in & out of the airport. There’s florescent cones everywhere, and parking directions that seem to be haphazard. And yet, there doesn’t seem to be much work in progress.

That’s the Airport Terminal Parking Lot Expansion Project at Pago Pago International Airport continuing to move forward. The focus is to accommodate construction activities while keeping the airport fully operational, with the Port Administration of American Samoa Services (PAAS) implementing temporary traffic-control measures in and around the main airport parking area to keep the airport open.

The project is now approximately 35 percent complete and targeted for completion by June 30, 2027, according to an update released by the PAAS. 

TRAFFIC CONTROL MEASURES

The traffic changes include modifications to vehicle access routes at the parking lot entrance and exit, along with special road striping, directional signage, and safety barricades designed to guide motorists safely through the construction zone.

Airport users are encouraged to pay close attention to posted signs and traffic controls while the project remains underway.

PAAS Director Barney Sene acknowledged that the temporary road rerouting and construction activity may create inconveniences for travelers and visitors but stressed that every effort is being made to minimize disruptions.

"We understand that construction activities can create temporary challenges for our airport users and the community," he said. "We greatly appreciate the patience, cooperation, and understanding of our travelers, visitors, and residents as this important work continues."

PAAS also expressed appreciation to the public for its continued patience and cooperation during the ongoing work.

"Our priority remains completing the project safely and efficiently while maintaining continuous airport operations," Sene said.

Once completed, the expanded parking facility and supporting infrastructure will form an integral part of the airport's modernization efforts and help position Pago Pago International Airport to better serve residents, visitors, and the Territory's future transportation needs.

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY — HIDDEN PROGRESS

While much of the construction activity currently taking place is not immediately visible to the public, airport officials say major infrastructure improvements are progressing beneath the surface and will play a critical role in supporting the Territory's new airport terminal facility.

PAAS Director Sene described the project as a key component of the broader modernization efforts underway at the airport.

"The Airport Terminal Parking Lot Expansion Project represents an important investment in the future of Pago Pago International Airport and the infrastructure needed to support construction of the new airport terminal facility," Sene stated.

He explained that current work is focused on installing and upgrading underground systems, including drainage, sanitation, electrical service, and other utility infrastructure that will serve both the expanded parking area and future terminal operations.

"Although much of the current work is taking place underground and may not be readily visible to the public, these improvements to the drainage, sanitary, power, and utility systems are essential components of the overall airport terminal project," he said.

Project contractor Paramount Builders, Inc. has maintained a steady pace of construction despite periods of rainy weather in recent weeks.

Current work is centered on the installation of critical underground drainage and utility networks, which officials say are necessary before additional phases of the parking lot expansion and terminal development can proceed.

Although these types of infrastructure improvements are largely hidden from view once completed, they are considered among the most important aspects of the project because they provide the foundation for future airport growth and increased capacity.

According to PAAS, the parking lot expansion project is a critical element of the airport's long-term development plan and is intended to support increased passenger traffic and future operational needs associated with the new terminal facility.