The Rochester International Airport (RST) in Minnesota has received more than $70 million in funding to complete major infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving safety, efficiency, and overall operations. The funding, provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), will support two major projects: the final stages of the Runway Safety Improvement Project and the General Aviation Ramp Reconstruction Project.
According to airport officials, this level of financial support is rare for regional airports. Typically, such facilities receive between $10 million and $15 million per year for development projects. The large-scale funding will allow RST to accelerate key improvements that have been years in the making, enhancing both safety and service for passengers and aircraft operators.
A significant portion of the funds will go toward completing Phases 5 and 6 of the Runway 3/21 Project. This project includes several essential upgrades to the airport’s runway and taxiway systems. Among the planned works are the reconstruction and extension of Runway 3 and Taxiway B to the south, the removal and rebuilding of Taxiways E, F, and G, and the creation of a new terminal area taxiway. Additionally, the intersections where runways and taxiways meet will be reconstructed to meet current federal safety standards, ensuring smoother and safer aircraft movement on the ground. Taxiways A and B near the runway intersections will also be rebuilt as part of this effort.
Airport officials emphasize that these upgrades are not just about compliance, but also about improving efficiency and preparing the airport for future growth. The new layout will make aircraft taxiing and takeoff more streamlined, reduce congestion, and enhance visibility and safety for pilots and ground crews. These changes also position RST to handle increased air traffic in the coming years as demand for travel continues to rise.
Part of the newly secured funding will also support the General Aviation Ramp Reconstruction Project, which focuses on modernizing facilities for private and corporate aircraft. This includes areas used by air ambulance services, flight training organizations, and business aviation. The improvements will feature new, durable pavement, upgraded drainage systems to prevent water buildup, and energy-efficient lighting that improves safety while reducing operational costs. The redesigned ramp will also allow better aircraft parking and movement, creating a more efficient flow of operations for general aviation users.
RST officials have highlighted how transformative this investment will be for both the airport and the region. The improvements are expected to enhance passenger experience, attract more private and commercial aviation activity, and contribute to the local economy by supporting jobs and business travel. With the completion of these projects, the Rochester International Airport aims to reinforce its role as a vital transportation hub for southern Minnesota and a reliable gateway for travelers, cargo operations, and medical flights.
The airport management expressed gratitude to both the FAA and MnDOT for their continued support and recognition of RST’s importance to the state’s aviation network. They also reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that all construction work will be completed with minimal disruption to current airport operations. Once finished, these projects are expected to significantly improve safety, sustainability, and operational capacity—paving the way for a stronger and more modern airport infrastructure that can serve the community for decades to come.
