Photo above – The MAC invites the public to attend an open house to learn about the draft 2040 long-term plan for Flying Cloud Airport. Courtesy of the Metropolitan Airports Commission.
The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) has opened a 45-day public comment period for its draft 2040 long-term plan for Flying Cloud Airport (FCM) in Eden Prairie. The plan is intended to provide a high-level framework for planned development at the airport for the next two decades.
The FCM long-term planning process, which began in 2022, includes an assessment of existing airfield facilities and aviation activity forecast analysis through 2040.
“This plan is our guide to enhance airport safety while accommodating future demand from the various users at Flying Cloud,” said Bridget Rief, the MAC’s vice president of planning and development. “The plan also seeks to explore development opportunities that support both aeronautical and non-aeronautical uses.”
The MAC has coordinated the planning process with input from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and stakeholder groups to develop a preferred plan that identifies proposed projects across the airport property. Highlights include:
• Relocating the Flying Cloud air traffic control tower to a more central location on the airfield that maximizes safety and operational efficiencies
• Addressing existing FAA design standard requirements, which includes enhancing runway safety by installing Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS) beds on both ends of the primary Runway 10R-28L.
• Supporting balanced development and future hangar needs for both corporate and small aircraft uses
The preferred plan supports maintaining existing operational capabilities. There are no proposed modifications to runway lengths or locations.
“Flying Cloud is the busiest general aviation airport in the MAC system, and it provides an important base for business aviation, flight training, recreational flying and other services,” said Joe Harris, director of reliever airports for the MAC. “The long-term plan will give us a foundation for strategic improvements that benefits users and balances the needs of surrounding communities.”
Flying Cloud recorded 132,744 takeoffs and landings in 2024 — a decline of 3% from 2023 — and is the home base for more than 420 aircraft.
While the draft plan outlines potential airport projects, it does not authorize construction. Once the plan is fully approved, the MAC will follow any required environmental review processes and vote on separate budget actions to formally approve specific projects identified in the plan before starting construction.
The MAC invites the public to an open house to learn about the long-term planning process and to provide input.
