OPINION: Taking Flight in the Fifth
Home to rich history, a host of well-respected colleges and universities, and beautiful scenery, Virginia is a top-tier destination for visitors. Whether you’re dropping your student off at one of our incredible universities like Liberty University, Randolph College, or the University of Lynchburg, catching the sunrise over the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, or stopping in for a Cheesy Western at the famous Texas Inn, the Hill City in particular has a lot to offer.
Folks wanting to see all Virginia’s Fifth District has to offer can fly into town using the rapidly growing Lynchburg Regional Airport in Campbell County. For years, the airport has only offered flights to Charlotte, North Carolina, but last October that changed.
The airport announced the launch of new nonstop flights to Washington Dulles and Chicago O’Hare, unlocking a new world of travel opportunities for fliers. The trips, which started in March, provide quick and easy access to Washington, D.C. a trip especially fitting, as our nation celebrated its 250th birthday this year.
It’s proven to be an airport worth investing in, and the White House agrees, as seen by recent grants awarded from the United States Department of Transportation.
In August of this year, the airport was granted $8 million for a terminal expansion. The funding is a part of $615 million in investments from the across 42 states and two territories. The airport plans to create a wider, automated TSA exit lane that will cut down on consistent maintenance requirements, address circulation issues, and add a new ADA compliant elevator for arriving and leaving passengers and employees.
It comes on the heels of Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy’s visit to the Fifth District. I invited him to the Commonwealth to tour the airport and meet with employees to learn how we can help. Hosting Secretary Duffy was also a valuable opportunity for him to see firsthand where the money goes.
This isn’t the first time the airport has received attention from the White House.
Last August, they received over $5.2 million of $870 million in federal airport infrastructure funding. Out of 339 airports in 44 states and 2 U.S. territories, the Lynchburg Regional Airport made the cut.
The funds are earmarked for a major infrastructure investment that the city says will go towards new hangar development.
The investments are needed as the Lynchburg Regional Airport stays busy with over 600 passengers a day, roughly 150,000 a year. The total economic impact sits at over $140 million dollars. When a town or city can provide easy access in, it opens the door for sweeping economic advantages. Restaurants and shops see more customers, hotels and Air BNB’s welcome more guests, the economy experiences a boom from tourists and business travelers.
Since taking office, Secretary Duffy and President Trump have focused on modernizing air traffic control. Currently, the Department of Transportation and FAA are focused on delivering new systems by the end of 2028. The plan is to replace outdated telecommunications, radar, automation, software, hardware, and more.
It’s all in an effort to make your flying experience safer and smoother.
We must continue investing in our airspaces, ensuring they have the resources they need not just to succeed, but to thriveas they transport folks across our great nation.
I am proud of the Lynchburg Regional Airport and their staff for their dedication to quality travel. I thank Secretary Duffy for his dedication to ensuring smooth travel for all, and I look forward doing my part to help keep people coming and going with ease in and out of the Fifth.
I hope to see you soon.