Avports lays out phased plan to add commercial passenger service at Manassas Regional Airport

Avports CEO Mark Ricks updated the Manassas City Council on a program to bring scheduled passenger service to Manassas Regional Airport, outlining a phased terminal design and a target of launching flights in 2027.

Ricks said Avports has focused early work on the terminal program — how the building functions and the passenger experience — rather than grand architecture, and emphasized managing costs so fares stay affordable for carriers and passengers. He described a phase‑1 program that would include check‑in, TSA screening, baggage drop and four aircraft boarding positions, with remote parking and potential future phases to add gates as demand grows.

Why it matters: Manassas sits in a part of the Washington–Baltimore metropolitan area with limited low‑cost carrier access and relatively long drives to existing airports. Council members and staff said added airline options could benefit area businesses and residents and reduce pressure on Reagan National and Dulles.

What Avports said on timelines and approvals: Ricks told council staff had secured an FAA letter confirming compliance with Part 139 standards and that Avports is completing an environmental assessment. The company is targeting a Finding of No Significant Impact around April and hopes to begin construction thereafter. On service, Ricks said the plan is to launch with one or two airlines and grow routes over several years; he described 2027 as an aspirational target for initial flights.

Council questions and staff clarifications: Council members asked about air traffic control infrastructure and were told by Airport Director Juan Rivera that the existing tower is adequate for current operations, and a new tower design is 70% complete with construction contingent on FAA funding; a new tower might be operational around 2029 if funded and permitted.

Next steps: Avports will continue permitting, environmental review and airline conversations; council did not take formal action at the presentation but asked staff to keep the item on future agendas for progress updates.