$32 Million Grant for Tucson International Airport’s New Runway Celebrated

Arizona Senators Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly applauded a $32 million grant awarded to Tucson International Airport by the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) to continue construction of the airport’s Airfield Safety Enhancement Program, which will add a second full-length runway to the airport. This phase will shift the existing runway to bring the airport into compliance with current safety standards. The project will also repave the runway, add airfield lighting, upgrade drainage infrastructure, and improve guidance signage.

“This federal investment will go a long way toward helping Tucson International Airport complete critical safety improvements and bring its airfield into compliance with current FAA standards. I’m proud to support investments that keep Arizona’s airports safe, modern, and ready to serve our growing communities,” said Gallego.  

“Today is a big win for Tucson. This federal investment will make Tucson International safer and more efficient, expand capacity, and strengthen Southern Arizona’s economy and military operations,” said Kelly. “I toured this project in 2023, and this funding brings us closer to the finish line. I look forward to seeing the new runway open and more flights coming through Tucson.”  

This grant was awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which funds runway, taxiway, and infrastructure projects at airports nationwide.  

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.