Leesburg Executive Airport Set for Major Upgrades With Runway, Taxiway, and Control Tower Projects

The Town of Leesburg, Virginia, is moving forward with significant infrastructure improvements at Leesburg Executive Airport, following approvals by the Town Council. These projects, which include the complete repaving of the airport’s runway, the relocation and rebuilding of its main taxiway, and the construction of a permanent air traffic control tower, are slated to receive substantial funding through federal and state grants. The Town Council authorized the execution of grant agreements and awarded contracts for engineering and construction services at its September 9, 2025, meeting, signaling a commitment to modernizing the airport’s facilities.

A major undertaking will be the re-paving of the airport’s runway, scheduled for the summer of 2026. To facilitate this, the Town Council approved more than $5 million in grant agreements with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV). In conjunction with these grants, contracts for the construction and engineering aspects of the Airport Runway Pavement Rehabilitation project have been awarded to Chemung Contracting Corporation and Delta Airport Consultants, Inc., respectively. This comprehensive repaving is expected to enhance the safety and efficiency of flight operations at the airport.

In addition to the runway work, the airport’s parallel taxiway is set for a significant overhaul. The Town Council has approved a task order with Talbert & Bright engineering to design the Parallel Taxiway Relocation project. This initiative will involve rebuilding the airport’s primary taxiway in a new location that adheres to FAA requirements. Over $1 million in funding from FAA and DOAV grants has been allocated for this design phase. Construction on the taxiway project is anticipated to commence in 2028, ensuring improved ground movement for aircraft.

The need for a permanent air traffic control tower has also been addressed, with the Town Council authorizing the execution of grant agreements with the FAA and DOAV for the engineering design services. EXP U.S. Services Inc. has been awarded the contract for these design services. A Fiscal Year 2026 supplemental appropriation was also approved for the project. This development comes after the conclusion of the remote tower program in June 2023, which left the airport relying on a temporary mobile air traffic control trailer. The design phase for the permanent tower is projected to span two years, with construction to follow.

These ambitious airport projects are poised to be largely financed by external sources. Approximately 99% of the anticipated design and construction costs for these initiatives are expected to be covered by grants from the FAA and DOAV. This significant federal and state investment underscores the importance of Leesburg Executive Airport as a transportation hub and its role in regional aviation. The upgrades are expected to improve operational capabilities, enhance safety standards, and support the airport’s long-term growth and efficiency.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Town of Leesburg, Virginia

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