Airport Projects

Yes, the terminal facility will remain open throughout the majority of the runway extension project. Passengers should expect normal terminal operations except during the scheduled 7-day closure of Runway 17-35 (September 12 – 19, 2026), when commercial airline service will be temporarily suspended.

Yes, commercial airline service will continue as scheduled throughout most of the phases of construction. The only exception is during the planned 7-day closure of Runway 17-35. During that period, airline operations will pause temporarily. Service will resume immediately following the reopening of the runway.

The planned runway closure is estimated to occur September 12-19. As the dates approach, airlines will communicate directly with affected passengers regarding rebooking options and alternate travel arrangements. Passengers are encouraged to monitor their airline communications and check flight status prior to travel.

Yes, the airport will remain open to general aviation throughout most phases of construction. The only full operational interruption will occur during the scheduled 7-day closure of Runway 17-35. During that period, Runways 5-23 and 9-27 will remain open and available for use, subject to weather conditions and operational requirements.

Surface closures and declared distances will be published via NOTAM and reflected in updated diagrams as required.

Temporary taxiway closures or routing adjustments may occur during various construction phases. These changes will be clearly marked following the FAA approved construction safety and phasing plan, and communicated via NOTAM. Pilots should anticipate possible changes to standard taxi routes and exercise heightened situational awareness while operating on the movement area.

FBO services, fueling operations, and tenant access are expected to remain available throughout construction.

Pilots should consult:

• Current NOTAMs
• ATIS broadcasts (when applicable)
• Direct communication with Air Traffic Control
• Airport-issued tenant updates

Operational details may evolve as construction progresses, and the most current information will always be available through official FAA publications.

The extension project was originally identified as an airfield improvement project with the completion of the Airport Master Plan (Click to View) completed in 2012. The plan identified existing airline fleet mix requirements demand 7,000 to 7,500 feet of runway to takeoff at maximum gross weight in conditions that hinder performance without taking concessions in passenger load, cargo, and fuel. It also cited additional runway length in takeoff and landing distance calculations when the runway is contaminated with water, snow, or ice will increase the number of flight delays or cancellations if additional runway length is not made available.

The total project cost is approximately $13 million. The majority of funding is provided through federal grants, with a local match contribution from the Airport. Like most airfield infrastructure projects, funding comes from aviation-specific sources and does not rely on local property taxes.

The total project cost is approximately $13 million. The majority of funding is provided through federal grants, with a local match contribution from the Airport. Like most airfield infrastructure projects, funding comes from aviation-specific sources and does not rely on local property taxes.

The runway extension is designed to enhance safety and operational flexibility of the aircraft currently serving the Kalamazoo Airport, not to significantly increase traffic levels. Any future changes in activity levels would be driven by market demand and airline decisions, not solely by the runway length.

The runway extension enhances safety and operational resilience, supports continued commercial air service, strengthens the airport’s ability to serve business and general aviation users, and represents a long-term infrastructure investment in the region. Airport play a critical role in economic development, connectivity, and emergency response capability, and this project helps ensure the Airport remains a strong regional asset.

The Airport has identified a safety project on the north end of Runway 17-35 which involves Taxiway C geometry at the intersection of the runway. This project will be addressed independently from the southern extension project planned for 2026.