Washington Manassas Airport — formerly known as Manassas Regional Airport — has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to accommodate commercial passenger airlines. The airport was renamed earlier this year in an effort to attract commercial airlines and better position itself within the DC region.
The regional airport was granted an FAA Part 139 Airport Operating Certificate on August 31. The certification verifies the airport meets federal requirements concerning safety, emergency response, and operations.
This step allows the Washington Manassas Airport to continue its plans to transition from a general aviation facility to commercial service airport. Plans include a 32,000 square-foot terminal with TSA security checkpoints, gates, and baggage claim areas, plus additional passenger parking.
The airport is now looking to secure an airline. It hopes to begin offering commercial flights as early as November 2027, Juan Rivera, the airport’s director, told WTOP.
An Alternative to Dulles Airport
Washington Manassas Airport could offer Northern Virginia travelers another option as airlines face rising costs at Washington Dulles International Airport. Several budget airlines — including Avelo, Southwest, and Frontier — have reduced or ceased service due to “higher fuel prices and underperforming routes,” according to Washington Business Journal.
Currently, the average total airlines pay per customer at Dulles is $12.77. However, the airport’s $22 billion expansion could increase the figure to $65 over the next 15 years. The higher costs could make Washington Manassas Airport a more attractive option for airlines looking to serve the region.
Feature image rendering of proposed Manassas Airport Terminal courtesy Avports
