Manassas, Va. – The city’s Washington Manassas Airport took a decisive step toward commercial service after the Federal Aviation Administration awarded the facility a Part 139 Airport Operating Certificate. The certification, required before any airline can operate passenger flights, was presented by FAA Associate Administrator Dan Edwards during a ceremony on Monday.
Federal approval marks a turning point for the community
Edwards called the achievement “extremely rare” for a private‑flight airport and noted it was the first such certification in Virginia in more than five decades. He said the airport now meets federal standards for safety, emergency response and daily operations, a development that he described as a “turning point for the city of Manassas and for the entire national capital region.”
Airport Director Juan Rivera praised months of preparation, inspections and coordination with regulators. “There were projects, there were inspections, there were meetings, there were questions, and there were probably a few moments when some of us wondered, ‘Were we ever going to get to this day?’ But we did,” Rivera said.
Next steps focus on airline partnership and passenger facilities
The airport’s leadership said the next priority is securing an airline partner, a goal they believe is “very close” to fruition. If an airline signs on, the first commercial flights could depart as early as November 2027.
Future plans include a 32,000‑square‑foot terminal equipped with Transportation Security Administration screening checkpoints, gates, baggage claim and concessions. Parking will expand to at least 2,000 spaces for travelers. Initial service is expected to feature three to four daily departures, with a long‑term vision of up to 24 flights per day, primarily serving low‑cost and ultra‑low‑cost carriers.
Local leaders see economic boost for families and small businesses
City officials and regional representatives hailed the certification as a catalyst for economic growth. City Council member David Davis said the airport’s expansion will bring foot traffic to historic downtown and support the many mom‑and‑pop shops that form the backbone of Manassas families.
“They need people. They need people flying in. They need businesses coming in. We need people staying in the city of Manassas as well,” Davis added.
U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam noted the rapid growth of the community, while Prince William County Board Chair Deshundra Jefferson called the airport “one of our region’s most important economic engines,” emphasizing its role in connecting local businesses to broader markets.
State Senator Danica Roem, a Democrat, reminded listeners that continued success will depend on maintaining strong relationships with nearby residents, citing concerns about noise, traffic and environmental impacts.
Community partnership remains central
All parties agreed that the airport’s future hinges on a partnership with the surrounding community. “This is a partnership with the community, with the residents,” Roem said, underscoring the need for ongoing dialogue as the project moves forward.
For now, the airport remains a year away from commercial service, but the certification signals that years of planning and hard work are finally bearing fruit. “We’ve worked hard to get ready for commercial service. Now it’s time to put all that preparation to use,” Rivera concluded.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
