Roanoke Regional Airport presents $14.6 million capital plan and balanced operating budget

Roanoke Regional Airport Executive Director Mike Stewart presented the commission's proposed FY 2025–26 operating and capital budgets to Roanoke City Council on April 7; council adopted a resolution approving the commission's submission.

Stewart said the airport's projected operating revenue is $15,939,000 against expenses of $14,468,000, producing a projected net income of about $1.47 million. The capital program totals $14,620,632 and includes design work for rehabilitation of Runway 6/24, rehabilitation of Taxiway B (B1–B5) and apron resurfacing, terminal improvements including design for a relocated security checkpoint and gate restoration, runway obstruction studies, fencing upgrades, vehicle replacements and IT/cybersecurity upgrades.

Funding: Stewart said most capital funds are expected from the federal Airport Improvement Program (AIP), COVID relief funds still available to airports, state aviation grants, passenger facility charges (PFCs) and airport commission funds.

Why it matters: The capital projects cover airfield safety and terminal modernization that influence airline operations and traveler experience. The airport said it intends to hold airline rates flat in order to support service continuity.

Council action: Council approved the commission's proposed operating and capital budgets by roll call (all members voting "Aye").

Ending: Stewart said parking-area work should finish in June and that the commission will also present to member localities in the coming weeks.