Summary

  • The Biden-Harris administration allocates $289M in grant funding across 129 US airports.
  • Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport receives $30.1M for runway reconstruction.
  • Airport improvements create jobs, reduce environmental impacts, and support aviation industry growth.

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a significant investment in the nation’s airport infrastructure, allocating $289 million in funding to upgrade 129 airports across the United States. This initiative is part of the broader Investing in America agenda, aiming to enhance airport efficiency, capacity, and sustainability amid a surge in travel demand.

The FAA shared the following:

“Americans are flying in record numbers, and the Biden-Harris Administration continues to invest in our airports to make travel safer and more convenient for the people who pass through these airports each day,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. “This latest round of funding will support key improvements to terminals, runways, and baggage systems and build on the work this Administration is doing to modernize our aviation infrastructure.”

The apron and ATC tower at Hartsfield-Jackston Atlanta International airport.

Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport focus

Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), one of the busiest airports globally, is set to benefit directly from this funding, receiving $30.1 million to help reconstruct one of its runways. This project is essential for maintaining the airport’s capacity to handle high traffic volumes and ensuring the safety and efficiency of flight operations. Upgrading the runway is also expected to reduce maintenance costs and extend its operational life.

Related

FAA Awards Nearly $250 Million In Grants To Upgrade Airports In 37 States

The grants will benefit airports across the US, from major international hubs to smaller airfields.

Broader impact across US airports

This 7th round of Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG), funded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will benefit a wide range of airports, each receiving targeted improvements based on their specific needs:

Airport

Allocation

Planned Improvements

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

$66.7M

Site demolition and preparation for a new 2,100-foot taxiway to accommodate more flights.

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)

$30.1M

Reconstruction of a runway.

Indianapolis International Airport (IND)

$26.6M

Reconstruction of Runway 5/23 to improve safety.

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

$22.2M

Rehabilitation of a taxiway and engineered safety enhancements to a runway.

Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)

$17.2M

Rehabilitation of existing Runway 14/32 shoulders and reconstruction of Taxiways F and H.

Bradley International Airport (BDL)

$8.8M

Rehabilitation of Runway 6/24 to improve safety.

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

$8.2M

Third phase of construction for a new terminal building: foundation and waterproofing.

Northeast Wyoming Regional Airport (GCC)

$2.2M

Construction of a new taxi lane off Taxiway A for airfield access to a non-exclusive hangar area.

Knox County Regional Airport (RKD)

$1.3M

Reconstruction of taxi lanes and the southwest general aviation apron.

Sustainability and economic benefits

The airport upgrades are expected to have substantive and lasting economic and environmental benefits. The construction projects are slated to create jobs and stimulate local economies, while the enhancements will help reduce environmental impacts by improving operational efficiency and reducing delays.

FAA sign

Photo: Chad Robertson Media | Shutterstock

“We’re seeing where our investments are making a real difference for communities across the nation,” said FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta R. Griffin, P.E. “I encourage airports to take advantage of this opportunity to build modern facilities that are accessible, safe, resilient to climate change impacts and achieve environmental sustainability.”

The $289 million investment in US airport infrastructure marks a significant step towards enhancing the capacity, safety, and efficiency of the nation’s most strained airports. Improvements at Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), in particular, highlight the administration’s commitment to supporting major aviation hubs and ensuring they can meet future demands. As travel continues to rebound, these upgrades will play an integral role in supporting the aviation industry’s growth and resilience.

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