By Kolby R. LaMarche

The Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV) has implemented significant updates to its parking system to enhance convenience and efficiency for travelers. The airport now offers free parking for the first hour in its multi-level, covered garage, a change designed to benefit those making brief visits for pickups or drop-offs. 

Additionally, BTV is replacing its outdated T2 Parking Systems with a modern Parking Access and Revenue Control System (PARCS) from FlashParking Inc., according to a July 30 memorandum from Director of Aviation Nicolas Longo. 

The updated parking rate structure provides the first hour free in the garage, followed by $2 per hour, with a daily maximum of $14 after four hours, an increase from the previous $12 cap. This policy supports short-term visitors and improves the garage’s pedestrian walkways, which provide easy access to the terminal, particularly during winter months. Travelers with disability parking permits continue to receive one complimentary day of parking, the airport said. 

The changes aim to streamline operations and reduce congestion at exits during peak travel periods, improving the overall experience for passengers.

The airport will soon transition to FlashParking’s system, which involves replacing all entry, exit, and pay-on-foot machines in the terminal and adding lanes to the White Street extension surface lots, used commonly for employee and overflow parking. 

The project requires a $199,079.37 down payment and $7,741.31 monthly payments under a 60-month Hardware as a Service contract, increasing the fiscal year 2026 budget from $150,000 to $269,000, according to commission records. The new system introduces digital payment options, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and credit card tap, offline cloud storage for reliability, and support for express pay and frequent parker programs. Regional service and support ensure minimal equipment downtime, critical for an airport experiencing increased passenger traffic and larger flights. 

The new parking installation is set to be completed by October of this year.  

BTV is also set to receive $5.8 million from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Department of Transportation, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, for expansion and modernization. The funds, according to the airport, will be used to reconstruct the second-floor corridor and replace four jet bridges, improving passenger accessibility and safety.