The 2000 master plan was completed in a time of steady economic growth, with the expectation of continued expansion and the need for major Airport improvements. Thus, a process was designed to maintain the viability of the Airport, preserve capacity, evaluate potential environmental impacts, and involve the public in the planning process. At the conclusion of the 2000 master plan, the expectation was that, during the 2010 Master Plan Update, significant Airport expansion would be considered, including a potential third parallel runway and new passenger terminal.

Numerous events since the 2000 master plan was completed, including the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001; the worst economic recession since the great depression of the 1930s; and climate change, have resulted in more modest expectations for the future. The long-range development plan from the 2010 Master Plan Update maintains the viability of the Airport and preserves capacity while providing the flexibility to accommodate the level of activity previously anticipated; however, it also recognizes that a third parallel runway and new terminal are not needed in the foreseeable future.