Short term parking lot complete at Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field (KAGS), Augusta, Georgia

A new short-term parking lot with an additional 210 spaces opens Thursday at Augusta Regional Airport.

The recently completed lot was the second phase of parking improvements to accommodate growing passenger numbers at the airport. A new long-term parking lot with 420 spots opened in June. All lots combined allow parking for 1,026 vehicles.

“Due to all the growth we have had, we previously were having to use overflow lots,” said Lauren Smith, spokeswoman for the airport.

Since June, the airport’s two short-term lots were closed. Construction continues on the airport’s rental car ready and return lot. Plans call for converting the current rental return lot into a credit card lot with 173 spaces, which could be completed next year, Smith said.

Changes to the airport’s parking plan also include a reserved lot adjacent to the main commercial terminal for no more than 30 frequent flyers. For a limited time, a reserved parking pass through the Elite Rewards Program is available for $100 per month.