In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the urgent need to update the airport's master plan, which has not been revised since 2015. The current plan is deemed outdated, and the officials emphasized that a comprehensive update is essential for future growth and safety at the airport. The estimated cost of the update is significant, but 90% of the funding is expected to come from a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant, which is currently in the process of being secured.
The new master plan will include forecasts for the next 15 to 20 years, focusing on necessary expansions and improvements, such as taxiways and runways. Officials highlighted the importance of maintaining existing infrastructure and preparing for future demands, noting that the FAA requires airports to have updated master plans to qualify for funding.
Concerns were raised regarding the accuracy of the previous master plan, particularly in relation to safety issues like runway incursions. The officials confirmed that while the existing plan has been followed, there is a need for a more detailed and updated approach to address both airside and landside developments.
The meeting underscored the critical nature of the master plan update, as it will guide the airport's growth and ensure compliance with FAA regulations. The officials expressed optimism about the forthcoming grant and the potential improvements that the new plan will bring to the airport's operations and safety standards.