Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Airport Receives $14.2M for Runway Extension and Safety Upgrades

Key Takeaways

• Kalamazoo/Battle Creek airport received a $14.2 million federal grant for runway extension and safety upgrades in July 2025.
• The project extends Runway 35 by 450 feet, adds new lighting, upgraded navigational aids, and improves storm sewers for safety.
• Construction starts 2025 with a 168-day timeline, enhancing capacity for larger aircraft and supporting local economic growth.

Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport has secured a $14.2 million federal grant to extend its main runway and improve safety, marking a major step forward for the region’s air travel and economic growth. The project, confirmed on July 12, 2025, will begin this construction season and aims to support larger aircraft, boost reliability, and address long-standing safety concerns.

What’s Happening and Why It Matters

The Kalamazoo/Battle Creek airport, known by its code AZO, will use the $14.2 million federal grant to extend its main runway and make important safety upgrades. This project is not just about making the runway longer—it’s about making the airport safer and more reliable for everyone who uses it. The changes will help the airport handle bigger planes, reduce delays, and support the local economy by attracting more flights and business opportunities.

Key Details of the Runway Extension and Safety Project

The main focus of the project is a 450-foot by 150-foot extension to the approach end of Runway 35, along with its parallel Taxiway B. This extension will allow larger commercial and business jets to take off and land at full capacity. In the past, some flights had to reduce the number of passengers or amount of cargo, especially during hot weather or bad conditions, because the runway was too short. With the extension, these limits will be removed, making flights more efficient and reliable.

Alongside the runway extension, the project includes several safety improvements:

• New lighting systems to help pilots see better during takeoff and landing.
• Upgraded navigational aids (NAVAIDs) to guide planes safely, especially in poor weather.
• Storm sewer improvements to prevent flooding on the runway.
• Better runway geometry to fix a known “hot spot” where there was a higher risk of runway incursions—situations where planes or vehicles accidentally enter the runway area.

These changes are designed to meet strict Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety standards and reduce the risk of accidents.

How the Project Will Unfold

The process to get to this point has been long and careful. Here’s how the project is moving forward:

1. Environmental Review: The FAA and Department of Transportation finished a full environmental assessment and permitting process on June 16, 2024. This step made sure the project would not harm the environment and cleared the way for construction.
2. Design Phase: After getting environmental approval, engineers created detailed plans for the runway extension and safety upgrades.
3. Bidding and Contract Award: In April 2025, the airport opened bidding for construction companies. A mandatory pre-bid meeting was held on April 9, 2025, to explain the project and answer questions.
4. Construction: Work is scheduled to start during the 2025 construction season. The main runway extension contract will last 168 calendar days from the start date.
5. Completion and Inspection: Once construction is finished, the FAA will inspect the new runway and safety systems before they are put into use.

Who’s Involved

Several key groups are working together to make this project happen:

• Kalamazoo County Government: Owns and operates the airport, oversees the project, and manages contracts.
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Provides funding, ensures the project meets all safety and environmental rules, and will inspect the finished work.
• Craig Williams: The Airport Director, who has strongly supported the expansion, saying it will improve safety, reliability, and the airport’s ability to serve the community.
• Construction Contractors: Companies bidding for the job must meet strict requirements to ensure quality and safety.

Why the Runway Extension Is Needed

The idea to extend the runway at Kalamazoo/Battle Creek airport is not new. It was first suggested in the airport’s 2013 Master Plan and has been discussed in several safety and operational studies since then. The main reasons for the extension include:

• Handling Larger Aircraft: Airlines and business jets are getting bigger, and the current runway sometimes forces them to limit passengers or cargo.
• Improving Safety: FAA studies identified a “hot spot” where the runway and taxiway meet, increasing the risk of accidents. The new design will fix this problem.
• Supporting Economic Growth: A longer runway and better safety features will attract more flights, helping local businesses and creating jobs.

Economic and Community Impact

The $14.2 million federal grant is part of a larger vision for the airport. While this phase focuses on the runway extension and immediate safety needs, the total plan could reach $40 million if future phases are funded. The improvements are expected to bring several benefits:

• More Flights and Destinations: Airlines may add new routes or increase the size of planes serving Kalamazoo/Battle Creek, giving travelers more options.
• Business Growth: Companies often look for airports with reliable service and the ability to handle larger planes. The upgrades could attract new businesses to the region.
• Job Creation: Construction will create jobs in the short term, while increased airport activity could lead to more permanent positions in the future.
• Better Service for Travelers: Fewer delays and cancellations mean a smoother experience for passengers.

Craig Williams, the Airport Director, said, “This project is about making sure our airport can serve the community for years to come. By extending the runway and improving safety, we’re investing in the future of Kalamazoo and Battle Creek.”

Safety Improvements: Protecting Passengers and Crews

Safety is at the heart of the project. The FAA’s Runway Incursion Mitigation (RIM) and Hot Spot programs have highlighted the need to fix areas where planes or vehicles could accidentally enter the runway. The intersection of Runway 17 and Taxiway C was identified as a risk area. The new design will change the layout to reduce confusion and make it easier for pilots and ground crews to move safely.

Other safety upgrades include:

• Modern lighting systems that help pilots see the runway in all conditions.
• Improved stormwater drainage to keep the runway clear and safe during heavy rain.
• Upgraded navigational aids that provide better guidance for takeoff and landing.

These changes will help the airport meet the latest FAA safety rules and protect everyone who uses the airport.

Community Concerns and Support

Most people in the local community support the project because they see the long-term benefits. However, some have raised concerns about noise, traffic, and disruptions during construction. The airport has held public meetings to explain the project and answer questions. Officials have promised to keep disruptions to a minimum and to keep the community informed throughout the process.

Local business leaders are especially excited about the project. They believe that a longer runway and better safety features will make it easier to attract new companies and jobs to the area. As reported by VisaVerge.com, regional airports that invest in modern facilities often see a boost in economic activity and improved air service.

How the Project Fits National Trends

Aviation experts say the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek airport project is part of a larger trend across the United States 🇺🇸. Many regional airports are extending runways and upgrading safety systems to meet the needs of modern air travel. Airlines want to use larger, more efficient planes, but they need longer runways to do so safely.

The FAA has made runway safety a top priority, offering grants to airports that fix known risks and improve their layouts. The $14.2 million federal grant for Kalamazoo/Battle Creek shows the government’s commitment to keeping air travel safe and reliable.

Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Possibilities

The current project is just one phase of a bigger plan for the airport. If more funding becomes available, future projects could include:

• Further runway extensions to handle even larger planes.
• New taxiways or aprons to improve aircraft movement on the ground.
• Terminal upgrades to make the passenger experience even better.

The airport and FAA will closely monitor the results of the current project. If the improvements lead to more flights and better service, it could help make the case for additional investments.

What Travelers and Businesses Should Know

If you use the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek airport, here’s what you can expect:

• Construction may cause some temporary changes to parking, traffic, or flight schedules. The airport will provide updates on its website and through local news.
• Once the project is finished, flights should be more reliable, with fewer delays and cancellations due to weather or weight limits.
• Businesses may find it easier to ship goods or bring in clients thanks to improved air service.

For the most current updates, travelers and businesses can visit the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport’s official website.

How to Learn More or Get Involved

If you have questions about the project or want to share your thoughts, you can contact the airport directly:

• Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport
  • Address: 5235 Portage Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49002
  • Phone: (269) 388-3668
  • Website: flyazo.com

You can also reach out to the FAA’s Great Lakes Region office for more information about federal grants and airport safety programs. The FAA provides detailed information about airport improvement grants and safety standards on its official Airport Improvement Program page.

Summary: What This Means for Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, and Beyond

The $14.2 million federal grant for the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek airport’s runway extension and safety improvements is a big win for the region. It will help the airport serve more flights, support local businesses, and keep travelers safe. While there may be some short-term disruptions during construction, the long-term benefits are expected to far outweigh the challenges.

By investing in modern facilities and safety systems, the airport is preparing for a future where air travel is more important than ever. The project shows how local, state, and federal partners can work together to support economic growth and protect the public.

As the project moves forward, the airport will continue to share updates and listen to community feedback. Travelers, businesses, and residents can look forward to a safer, more reliable, and more connected future at the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek airport.

Action Steps for Readers

• Stay informed: Check the airport’s website for the latest news on construction and flight schedules.
• Plan ahead: If you’re flying during the construction period, allow extra time and watch for updates.
• Share your feedback: Attend public meetings or contact the airport if you have questions or concerns.
• Explore business opportunities: Companies interested in expanding or shipping goods may benefit from the improved airport facilities.

For more details about federal airport grants and safety programs, visit the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program page.

The Kalamazoo/Battle Creek airport’s runway extension and safety improvements are set to bring lasting benefits to the region, making air travel safer, more reliable, and better suited to the needs of today’s travelers and businesses.

Learn Today

Runway Extension → Adding length to an airport runway to accommodate larger aircraft and improve safety during takeoff and landing.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) → U.S. government agency overseeing civil aviation safety, funding, and regulations.
Navigational Aids (NAVAIDs) → Electronic or visual systems that assist pilots in guiding aircraft during takeoff, landing, and flight.
Runway Incursion → An unsafe situation where aircraft or vehicles mistakenly enter a runway area, increasing accident risk.
Environmental Review → Assessment process ensuring airport projects comply with environmental standards before construction begins.

This Article in a Nutshell

Kalamazoo/Battle Creek airport secured $14.2 million to extend its runway by 450 feet, improving safety and supporting bigger aircraft. This project will reduce delays, attract more flights, and boost the local economy. Construction begins in 2025 with FAA oversight, marking a major advancement in regional air infrastructure and safety.
— By VisaVerge.com