Marking a fresh start under its new name, 'Washington Manassas Airport' has officially received an airport operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), achieving a crucial milestone toward launching commercial airline service.
Having passed the mandatory 'Part 139' periodic inspection, the airport was officially approved as the 10th airport in Virginia to offer commercial passenger service. As a result, the launch of passenger flights for residents of Prince William County, an area with a large Korean American population, is expected to gain significant momentum.
Formerly known as 'Manassas Regional Airport,' the facility is embarking on major infrastructure expansions. According to FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Daniel J. Edwards, the airport plans to complete a new passenger terminal by the fall of 2027 and build a state-of-the-art air traffic control tower by 2029.
A host of prominent political and government figures attended the official certification ceremony held on August 31, expressing high expectations. Attendees included Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger, U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam of Virginia, Virginia Department of Aviation Director Greg Campbell, and FAA Associate Administrator Daniel J. Edwards.
At the ceremony, Director Greg Campbell cited a recent economic impact study conducted by the state department of transportation, stating that "Washington Manassas Airport's launch of commercial service will bring an economic impact of approximately $517 million to the local community."
Additionally, the FAA has invested over $46 million in federal funding over the past five years to improve infrastructure, including runway rehabilitations and preliminary work on the new control tower. Associate Administrator Edwards added, "Advanced investments tailored to the commercial aviation era, such as the introduction of a new air traffic control system, will continue going forward."