The Newport News-Williamsburg Airport runway is set to undergo significant improvements.
The Newport News-Williamsburg Airport has been awarded a $6 million grant as part of Virginia’s infrastructure improvement plan. This funding, among a total of over $21 million for ten airports, aims to enhance airport safety and efficiency amid growing demand for air travel. Despite this grant, the airport faces a projected $4 million budget shortfall by 2026, prompting additional funding requests from the city. The Peninsula Airport Commission is exploring partnerships and alternatives to improve the airport’s viability following a significant decline in passenger numbers.
Newport News – The Newport News-Williamsburg Airport has been awarded a $6 million grant as part of a statewide infrastructure improvement plan aimed at enhancing Virginia’s airports. This funding is part of a broader allocation of over $21 million in federal funds announced by Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, which will be distributed across ten airports throughout the state.
This grant represents the largest single award among the ten Virginia airports receiving federal funding. The Peninsula Airport Commission will utilize these funds to rebuild 6,500 feet of existing taxiways at the airport, with the aim of enhancing safety, efficiency, and capacity to accommodate the growing demand for air travel.
The federal funds are sourced from the bipartisan infrastructure law passed in 2021, which aims to invest in transportation and infrastructure improvements across the nation. In addition to the Newport News-Williamsburg Airport funding, Virginia will also receive $700,000 to update its airport system plan, indicating a substantial investment in aviation infrastructure statewide.
Despite the significant grant, Newport News-Williamsburg Airport is facing imminent financial difficulties, with projections indicating a potential $4 million shortfall by the 2026 fiscal year. The Peninsula Airport Commission has unanimously requested additional funding from the city of Newport News to help address this deficit. In response, Mayor Phillip Jones announced the city’s commitment to contribute $4 million, which includes $3 million earmarked for operations and up to $1 million for capital projects.
The Newport News-Williamsburg Airport is governed by the Peninsula Airport Commission, comprised of representatives from Newport News and the neighboring city of Hampton. The airport has experienced a drastic decline in passenger numbers, with only 142,000 passengers served in 2024, down from 1.1 million passengers in 2010. Currently, the airport exclusively offers flights through American Airlines, using smaller 50-seat Embraer 145 jets that connect to Charlotte.
Recent audits highlight that many smaller regional airports, including Newport News-Williamsburg, are grappling with pilot and staff shortages following the COVID-19 pandemic, raising questions about their viability. Ongoing discussions are examining the future of commercial air service at Newport News-Williamsburg Airport, with some stakeholders suggesting a need to explore non-traditional aviation uses to maintain operational sustainability.
Furthermore, the Newport News City Council has approved a budget that currently does not have specific allocations directed toward airport funding, prompting concerns regarding budget transparency. City Council members have expressed a lack of awareness regarding the funding information communicated by the Mayor to the public.
This financial uncertainty is compounded by a history of management issues at the airport, which includes past scandals that led to criminal convictions and significant operational changes. The current executive director was terminated in February 2023, leaving a leadership void that is still being addressed as the search for a new director progresses.
Local economists remain skeptical about the potential impact of the new funding on increasing passenger numbers. They point towards the competitive landscape, particularly with airports like Norfolk International Airport drawing travelers away from Newport News-Williamsburg. To counter these challenges, the Peninsula Airport Commission is exploring diversification options, including potential partnerships with the local Economic Development Authority, as they strive to navigate the complex future of the airport and its operations.
FEMA to Conduct Emergency Preparedness Exercise at Surry Power Station
New Associate Editor Joins Virginia Business Magazine
Virginia’s Economic Development Initiatives Creating Jobs
Virginia Set to Create Thousands of New Jobs with Major Investments
Axis Global Enterprises’ Remarkable Growth Journey in Virginia Beach
News Summary Oris Jerome Askew, a 46-year-old Hampton resident, has been charged with first-degree murder…
News Summary A new portrait of George Washington created by Charles Peale Polk was unveiled…
News Summary The new Hohl restaurant has officially received approval to open at 1012 Richmond…
News Summary The Historic Triangle is set to host a food truck roundup from July…
News Summary The York County School Division is seeking community input on potentially renaming Magruder…
News Summary James City County residents should prepare for increased traffic and road delays as…