February 24, 2006 -- For the first time, traffic at El Paso International Airport is higher than pre-September 11th levels. In order to keep up with the demand, airport officials are expanding facilities.

"What will happen is we will add about 19,000 square feet to the terminal," said Pat Abeln, the airport director of Aviation.

All of the changes will be made to the second floor. The holding areas will be expanded to accommodate more people. In addition, the facade facing the runway is going to look different. It will go from having one welcome arch to several arches with high ceilings throughout the concourse.

More shops, restaurants, and restrooms will also be incorporated to the second level. Some say it's something the airport lacks.

"They really do need to have a little more shopping, and they really need to concentrate on the layovers because people are here for a couple of hours," said Dan Delgado, from Dallas, Texas.

Passenger convenience isn't the only improvement planned. The long-term parking lot is also going to be expanded, and will hold twice as many cars.

This addition, Abeln tells KFOX, will keep travelers from having to park in remote areas during our busy holiday seasons.

Airport officials say these expansion projects will not interfere with travelers' plans. They hope to have the long-term parking in use by this summer, but completion won't be until November of this year.

The lot will accommodate 2,500 more cars.

The changes inside the airport are expected by 2008.