Macon Downtown Airport Celebrates Official Reopening of Runway 10-28 After $5.7 Million Renovation
On Monday, November 18, 2024, the Macon Downtown Airport marked the official reopening of its newly renovated Runway 10-28, a project years in the making. The upgrade, which included reconstruction and a line of sight correction, was made possible through a $5.7 million grant from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
“This project has been a long time coming as it has been much needed at our Downtown Airport,” said Macon-Bibb Mayor Lester Miller. “A renovated new runway will help attract more people and Middle Georgia State University students to new heights.”
The runway serves as a vital hub for Middle Georgia State University’s School of Aviation, the fastest growing program at the university. Since its inception in 2016, the school has expanded from just 12 students to more than 100. Dr. Christopher Blake, President of Middle Georgia State University, expressed pride in the program’s success, emphasizing the importance of the airport’s role.
“I’m very proud of what our School of Aviation has accomplished and what it has accomplished here,” said Dr. Blake. “It’s all due to the relationships, energy, and leadership we have with the Dean. We have a footprint across the state because of the excellence of our School of Aviation.”
One of the students benefiting from the upgrades is Josiah Metcalfe, who balances his studies with work at the Middle Georgia Regional Airport. “Having the convenience of a Downtown Airport allows us to maximize the training time and focus on success,” said Metcalfe. “The improvements have been significant for pilot safety and overall quality of training here.”
The airport also serves the Georgia Forestry Commission, which utilizes the location for aircraft maintenance and aerial firefighting operations during nearby wildfires.
Macon-Bibb Aviation Director Doug Faour reflected on the lengthy process leading up to the reopening, noting the effort involved in planning, funding, and ensuring the project met necessary compliance standards.
“There have been many, many years planning this project, working through all of the issues, and getting it funded, but today, we have accomplished that goal, and are in compliance,” Faour said.
Construction on the project began in January 2024, marking a significant milestone for both the airport and the surrounding community.
