With Final FAA Certification, Commercial Flights Could Be Coming Soon To This NoVA Airport

MANASSAS, VA – You are now cleared for takeoff from the Washington area's newest airport.

The newly renamed Washington Manassas Airport received its Part 139 Airport Operating Certificate from the FAA on Monday, passing what airport officials described as the final milestone before passenger service can begin.

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The city-owned airport says commercial passenger service is expected to launch by the end of 2027. It will join Washington Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in serving Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia.

The certification is the first new Airport Operating Certificate issued to a Virginia airport in 53 years, according to the FAA and airport officials.

A Part 139 certification demonstrates that an airport is in compliance with federal safety and operational requirements covering areas including runway and taxiway conditions, aircraft rescue and firefighting, emergency planning, wildlife hazard management and employee training.

While there is now a rough timeline for commercial flights to begin, no destinations from the airport or commercial carriers working with the airport have yet been named.

According to the Prince William Times, Washington Manassas Airport Director Juan Rivera said he hopes to be operational by November to help handle holiday travel. He also said that an announcement about commercial carriers is expected by the airport's private partner, Avports, in December. Avports is responsible for investing in and developing passenger facilities as well as operating and maintaining the commercial terminal, parking and ramp areas. It will also help recruit airline services.

The certification follows another significant federal decision for the project. On July 30, the FAA issued a Finding of No Significant Impact and Record of Decision following an environmental review of the airport's Part 139 certification and terminal redevelopment program.

The airport previously known as Manassas Regional Airport first opened in 1932. Efforts to bring commercial flights back to the airport have been underway since 2023.