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HANNIBAL, MO. -- UPDATE: Wednesday, April 27, 5:05 p.m.

Folks flying into Hannibal will be greeted with a different site this fall.

City and MODOT aviation leaders broke ground today on a new terminal at Hannibal Regional Airport Wednesday morning.

Construction is already underway on the new 2,200 square foot Hannibal Airport terminal...but the city has been on a long flight to arrive at this day.

After runways here were extended a decade ago to allow for larger planes, talks and plans to get a new terminal has been in the works.

Folks we talked to say this isn't just for flying enthusiasts. Officials say it's providing infrastructure for local employers to do business and lays out a welcome mat for economic development.

It will also be an attraction for incoming pilots.

Right now the airport terminal is in cramped quarters here in the side of a airplane maintenance hangar. But the new terminal will feature areas for visiting pilots, conference rooms and vending areas.

Something that will make stopping in Hannibal more attractive for incoming flyers like South Carolina Resident Arnold Bates.

More pilots landing in Hannibal means more money for American's Hometown.

A large majority of the 460 thousand dollar price tag is being covered with FAA and MoDOT Aviation dollars.

The city is required to pitch in $35,000.

With the terminal construction underway, officials are now looking to the future again.

There is talk about extending the runway 500 feet to allow larger planes to land in the city.

There is support and funds from the FAA to extend the runway, but an environmental impact study needs to be conducted first before the project can move on.

Officials say this wouldn't happen anytime soon though.

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A new airport terminal is underway in Hannibal.

There was a groundbreaking ceremony kicking off the event Wednesday morning.

The new design will include a new terminal, parking lot and access road. It was designed by Architechnics.

The project is funded by MoDOT's aviation dollars along with federal and city matching grant funds. The total cost is estimated at $692,000. 95 % of the cost will be paid by the FAA, 5% will be paid by the state of Missouri.

The current terminal is located in a lean-to off the side of a maintenance shed.

Construction is already underway and includes a 2,200 square foot terminal building.

A new driveway and parking area will be paid for by both the city of Hannibal (10%) and MoDOT (90%).

There is also talk about extending the runway 500 feet, but the timeline is unclear.

There is support from the FAA to extend the runway, but an environmental impact study needs to be conducted first.