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Muskegon County hears airport report after runway incident; TSA X‑ray replacement estimated at $600,000
Summary
County airport officials told commissioners November operations looked promising as airline service returns toward pre‑COVID levels, and described a minor runway incident (no injuries) and damage requiring full replacement of a TSA X‑ray/check‑bag machine estimated at about $600,000.
County airport officials reported a promising first month for the airport’s commercial service as passenger levels begin to approach pre‑COVID norms, but they also described a small aircraft incident and equipment damage that will require costly repairs.
The airport director told the board the November operations report showed passenger numbers improving and rising customer satisfaction, even when flights faced delays. "We're starting to get some, like, 5 star reviews and stuff on Google even when we have a bad day," the director said, noting that airline staff and quick local responses helped keep passengers calm during delays.
The board discussed a privately owned airplane that slid off the runway; the director said the Federal Aviation Administration downgraded the event from an "accident" to an "incident" because there were no injuries, meaning the FAA will not investigate the root cause. "They don't even investigate it, so we'll never determine a root cause," the director said, adding that the owners will cover damage claims.
Airport staff said airfield damage was minor (two signs) but a screening X‑ray/check‑bag machine will need complete replacement. The director estimated the replacement cost at about $600,000 and said the TSA is using alternate screening procedures while the county, the airline contractor (Carbon6), and insurers sort liability. "We're still trying to figure out who is financially liable for the damages, whether it's the county's insurance, Carbon6's insurance, or the TSA themselves," the director said.
On construction, the airport director said progress on a capital project has slipped into January because of back orders and weather delays for exterior glass installation; staff agreed to send updated photos to commissioners. The board placed the airport report on file with no further action.
The airport director is recorded as the speaker for these updates; the transcript does not include a personal name for the director.
