More than 100 development-industry representatives from across the country were in Islip on Thursday to consider taking on the Long Island MacArthur Airport expansion project, which is slated to begin construction by early 2027, according to a target date set by Islip Town officials.

The goal of the project is to create an upgraded air terminal that could accommodate additional flights. It also must connect the airport to the Ronkonkoma Long Island Rail Road station, north of the airport, per Islip Town’s project guidelines from April 8.

Roughly 150 representatives from interested companies — based everywhere from Seattle to Washington, D.C. — showed up at Thursday’s event at the airport, according to Islip Town spokesperson Caroline Smith. About a dozen of those have applied to be project leads, which Islip Town officials call "principals," while the others hope to assist those companies complete the initiative.

The event was hosted by town and airport officials, who provided project details to developers.  

The companies will compete for the contract over the next seven months. The winner will help shape the future of the airport by deciding where the project gets built and what type of LIRR connection it includes. The successful developer also will be charged with operating the upgraded terminal for up to 40 years after it’s built, according to Islip Town’s project pitch.

“The turnout today was fantastic. We had representatives from not only across the country but worldwide,” Islip Airport Commissioner Rob Schneider told Newsday. “I think that demonstrates the level of interest that not only the community has, but nationwide. All eyes are on this airport.”

Among the prominent companies that showed up were Tikehau Star Infra, Fengate Asset Management and Carlyle Airport Group.

Town officials have given developers two options regarding the type of project to pursue: Build a terminal at the north end of the airport or upgrade the existing south terminal.

Republican Councilman Michael McElwee and Conservative Councilman John Lorenzo, whose district includes the airport, staunchly favor the south terminal option. Both say they believe building a new terminal to the north would be unnecessary and bring too little benefit to justify such a large-scale overhaul.

Islip’s top official, Republican Supervisor Angie Carpenter, has historically championed the north terminal. She said she still has a preference but declined to specify it during an interview earlier this year.

Propeller Airports CEO Brett Smith, who was among the company executives to attend Thursday’s event, signaled his preference for the north terminal option.

That north terminal project site is roughly 2,000 feet from the LIRR station. Most of the land between those two sites is undeveloped. Meanwhile, the airport’s runways sit between the existing south terminal and the LIRR station.

“We are examining both,” said the Propeller Airports CEO, who’s based in Seattle. “I think for the experience for the traveler, being as close as possible to Ronkonkoma station is very valuable.”

Developers have to choose their desired project option by Aug. 14.

Islip Town is expected to select a final developer by January and aims to begin construction by the first quarter of 2027, according to the town’s presentation.