Lynchburg Regional Airport Set for Major Expansion After More Than $13 Million in Federal Funding

Two federal awards announced in August will expand the passenger terminal, improve accessibility and prepare the airport for future aviation businesses.

LYNCHBURG, Va. — Lynchburg Regional Airport is entering a major period of infrastructure investment after receiving more than $13 million in federal funding for two separate projects announced this month.

The investments will expand the passenger terminal, improve accessibility and passenger flow, and prepare additional airport property for future aviation businesses and hangar development.

$8 Million Terminal Expansion

The largest of the two awards is an $8 million federal grant for the expansion and modernization of the airport's existing passenger terminal.

The project will increase the terminal from approximately 38,000 square feet to 39,600 square feet.

One of the major improvements will be a wider, automated TSA exit lane designed to improve the movement of arriving passengers through the terminal.

The airport's current exit is narrow and uses an aging automated access system. When that system is unavailable, arriving passengers can be directed through the departure entrance, creating opposing passenger flows inside the terminal.

Making the Terminal Easier to Navigate

The project is designed with more than additional square footage in mind.

The changes will make it easier for families to move through the terminal together while improving circulation for older adults and passengers with disabilities.

The project will also include energy-efficiency improvements such as LED lighting, additional energy-efficient windows, an energy-efficient elevator and updated mechanical systems.

The city says the project is intended to help LYH handle anticipated passenger growth.

An approved airport forecast projects approximately 79,900 passenger enplanements in 2028.

Another $5.26 Million for the North Apron

The terminal isn't the only part of the airport getting a major investment.

Earlier this month, Lynchburg Regional Airport received $5,258,670 through the FAA's Airport Infrastructure Grant program for its North Apron Landside Development project.

The project will create the infrastructure needed to support future aviation development.

Plans include a new access road from Airport Road, parking for future hangar tenants, water and sewer extensions, stormwater improvements and site preparation for future aircraft hangars.

The project is intended to create opportunities for aviation businesses, including potential aircraft maintenance and repair operations.

LYH Is Also Expanding Air Service

The infrastructure investments come as Lynchburg's commercial air service has expanded.

LYH currently offers nonstop service to Charlotte, Chicago O'Hare and Washington Dulles, giving Central Virginia travelers access to major airline hubs and connections throughout the country and internationally.

United launched its new Dulles and Chicago service earlier this year, and the airline is adjusting its schedule in September to provide an early-morning Lynchburg departure to Washington Dulles.

What This Could Mean for Lynchburg

The projects represent more than improvements for people catching a flight.

The North Apron development is specifically intended to create space for future aviation businesses, while the terminal expansion is designed to improve the passenger experience and accommodate projected growth.

Together, the projects could strengthen Lynchburg Regional Airport's role as a transportation and economic asset for Central Virginia.

What's Next

The terminal project will move through design, review and construction phases, with additional information about the timeline and possible effects on airport operations expected as those details are finalized.

Q Spot News will continue following the expansion of Lynchburg Regional Airport and other developments affecting the Lynchburg community.