The Airport Master Plan is a comprehensive study to evaluate and determine long-term needs and development plans for Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, over the next 20 years and beyond. It is a guidance document for how ROA can prepare and respond to increased demand. Plans reflect not only the potential for development, but also the funding, new technologies, environmental, sustainability and socio-economic considerations for the region to ensure growth can be accommodated in a socially and fiscally responsible manner.
The previous Airport Master Plan update was completed in 2008. Since that time, our region has experienced significant economic growth, triggering increased demand for nonstop destinations to the west and along the north-south corridor. An Airport Master Plan is necessary to prepare the airport to meet the anticipated increase in demand for commercial passenger, air cargo, general aviation and emerging technologies services, as well as to examine opportunities to support future economic and development uses.
The Airport Master Plan will focus on forecasting demand for the next 20 years, as well as anticipating the implications for land use and infrastructure improvements needed to support regional growth. At the same time, the plan will work to coordinate with key community initiatives that may be impacted by future airport growth and development. Specific plan components also include:
In 2019, the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission initiated a Request for Proposal from qualified airport planning firms to assist the airport in the development of its Master Plan. Following a qualified review process, the Commission selected RS&H, Inc. to undertake the study.
Two public workshops will be held during 2023 to engage members of the community in the Master Plan process. You can also share comments, questions or feedback with us at any time using the Contact Us form on our website.
The Airport Master Plan will be first approved by the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission and then by the FAA and the Virginia Department of Aviation. Once approved, it will formally be used as a conceptual framework to guide future plans and modifications for the airport. While the Master Plan serves as a guide for what is possible, the recommendations are not imminent. Any upgrades or development the airport makes will still be approved by the Airport Commission separately.
It is important to understand that the airport is a self-sustained enterprise that does not rely on local or regional tax dollars. All projects proposed in the Master Plan and approved by the Airport Commission will be funded by Federal and State grants or revenue generated directly by the airport.