Photo – From left are; Ty Helton: President, Texas Airports Council, Michael Capizzi: New Braunfels City Council – District 2, Jeff Jewell, Director of Economic & Community Development, City Of New Braunfels, Dr. Robert Lee: Airport Director (New Braunfels National Airport), City of New Braunfels, Robert Camareno: City Manager, City Of New Braunfels, Dan Harmon: Director of Aviation Division, Texas Department of Aviation.
The City of New Braunfels has announced that the New Braunfels National Airport has been selected by the Texas Aviation Advisory Committee as the 2026 National/Regional Airport of the Year.
This award recognizes the New Braunfels National Airport’s commitment to strategic planning, infrastructure investment, and long-term economic impact. Guided by a comprehensive master plan, the New Braunfels National Airport has aligned its development efforts with a clear vision for capacity, safety, and regional growth.
Over the past several years, the Airport has completed a series of projects that highlight this forward-thinking approach, including:
- A runway rehabilitation project that improved surface quality, enhanced safety, and extended the runway’s lifespan
- Construction of a 400-foot taxi-lane extension to increase corporate hangar development and capacity for larger aircraft
- Construction of a detention pond to facilitate drainage for new corporate development near the airport terminal
- Reconstruction of the north apron, by improving taxi areas, safety features, and aircraft parking
- Installation of perimeter fencing and access control gates to significantly improve operational safety and security
- Completion of site selection and completion of approximately 30% of the design for a new Air Traffic Control Tower
- Creation of an Airport Development and Design Standards Manual to establish specific design criteria and guidelines for all development at the Airport
- Finalization of the Airport Master Drainage Plan to prepare for future development
“A strong airport begins with a clear vision and the people who bring that vision to life every day. This recognition reflects years of thoughtful planning and collaboration and the unwavering dedication of our airport staff and partners,” said Economic and Community Development Director Jeff Jewell. “We are honored to receive this award and remain committed to ensuring the airport serves as a driver of economic vitality for New Braunfels and the surrounding region.”
Looking ahead, current priorities for the New Braunfels National Airport include completing a new air traffic control tower and advancing a feasibility study for a new terminal on the west side of the airport. To learn more about the New Braunfels National Airport, visit www.newbraunfels.gov/airport.
