Federal Infrastructure Bill Welcome News for Airports

The aviation industry welcomed the Senate’s passage of a $1.2 trillion infrastructure spending package last week, including a much-needed investment in airports.

The bill provides $20 billion for airports to address repair and maintenance backlogs, reduce congestion and emissions near ports and airports, and drive electrification and other low-carbon technologies, according to the White House.

“With the industry still recovering from steep losses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, these investments are more important than ever,” said Kevin Burke, president and CEO of Airports Council International–North America. “We applaud members of both parties for supporting this legislation in the Senate and urge the House to pass it.”

Burke said U.S. airports face more than $115 billion in documented infrastructure needs over the next five years. At least a couple dozen major American airports, including Pittsburgh International, are currently planning or in the middle of major construction projects to expand and modernize their facilities.

The average American airport is about 40 years old, according to ACI-NA, meaning they were built before smartphones, ride-sharing, 9/11 and other seismic changes in air travel that have reset security needs and passengers’ expectations.

The infrastructure bill will provide significant help in that regard, Burke said.

“Airports across the United States are grateful to senators from both parties for supporting an infrastructure bill that makes a much-needed down payment to upgrade their aging facilities,” he said.