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Burlington Airport presents FY26 budget, plans parking rate hike and leans on federal grants
Summary
BTV Patrick Leahy Airport managers told the Burlington Board of Finance they expect modest operating expense growth for fiscal 2026, plan a $2-per-day parking increase to $14, rely on federal grants including a $34 million discretionary award, and will use passenger facility charges and other restricted funds for capital work.
Burlington’s airport directors on Wednesday presented a fiscal 2026 operating budget that managers said keeps expense growth limited while leaning on federal and other grants for a large terminal expansion.
The airport’s operating budget is roughly $24 million, officials said, with about 52 full‑time equivalent employees. Airport Director of Aviation Nick Longo said the airport expects operating expenses to rise about 1.2 percent year over year while projecting a 5.6 percent increase in operating revenues driven largely by higher parking, rental car and concession receipts.
Airport leaders said they will raise daily parking from $12 to $14 beginning in FY26, a change they estimate will add about $500,000 annually. “We’re right‑sizing the parking garage stream and being consistent with our competitors throughout the region,” Longo said. Marie Friedman, director of finance for the airport, added that actual garage revenues this year exceeded budgeted amounts and helped shape the new rate.
Why it matters: airport staff said passenger growth is the primary driver of most revenues. Longo told the board the…
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