FAA Greenlights Washington Manassas Airport Expansion After Environmental Assessment

MANASSAS, VA — The Federal Aviation Administration announced on Friday that no significant environmental impacts were anticipated from Avports' project to transition Washington Manassas Airport to commercial service, greenlighting the next phase of the effort.

The FAA issued a "Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and Record of Decision (ROD), " a required step under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Avports, the operator of the Manassas airport, announced in a press release.

The finding followed a review process that included detailed technical analysis and opportunities for public input, the release noted. The review is one of the last federal hurdles ahead of launching commercial service at the airport.

Avports will now begin seeking necessary state and local approvals, it said

The City of Manassas owns the airport and accepted a proposal from Avports in 2023 to relaunch commercial flights there. Washington Manassas Airport will be the fourth option for travelers in the Washington Metropolitan Area.

Avports' plans to modernize the existing airport include upgrading the current passenger terminal to add a ticketing counter, a baggage claim and handling area, a Transportation Security Administration screening area, and four gates with a concession area, according to a report in the Prince William Times. It also plans to construct a new terminal building.

“We are thrilled by the FAA’s decision, which marks an important step forward for Washington Manassas Airport and the City of Manassas,” Michelle Davis, mayor of Manassas, said in the release. “We look forward to continuing our work with Avports, the Airport Commission and the community to expand travel options, support economic growth and create a regional asset that will serve Northern Virginia for years to come.”

The new airport's debut was recently pushed back to 2027.

The FONSI/ROD from the FAA and the final Environmental Assessment can be viewed here.