RICHMOND, Ind. – The Richmond Municipal Airport is moving forward with plans for a new terminal building, after decades of operating in its original facility, built in 1945.
Airport Manager Rodney Mayse said the current terminal is more than 80 years old and suffers from major structural and accessibility issues, including leaking windows, failing bricks, and outdated heating and cooling systems.
The building is also not ADA compliant, and its layout creates congestion during busy times.
“We needed a bigger waiting area for passengers and pilots to come in and out of,” Mayse said.
The proposed terminal would include after-hours access, allowing pilots who use the airport’s self-fueling station to access restrooms, a pilots’ lounge, showers, and lockers 24 hours a day. The airport is currently open daily from 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., making after-hours access a major need for pilots who arrive late or depart early.
The discussion about a new terminal originally began in 2008 during the administration of former Mayor Sally Hutton. Early efforts stalled due to lack of funding, but a renewed push began in 2022 after federal infrastructure funding opened new grant opportunities.
The airport applied for a competitive federal grant through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program, which allows communities to apply over a five-year period. Richmond received funding for the terminal design in 2024, and the airport hopes to secure funding for construction in the program’s final year.
“We’re hoping since they funded one part of the project that they’ll fund the construction part,” Mayse said.
Plans are approximately 80% complete, and construction bids are expected to be released at the beginning of March, with results due by May. If all goes as planned, groundbreaking could begin as early as fall 2026, with completion expected within six to 12 months.
The new terminal would be built directly across from the current building, allowing airport operations to continue during construction.
If the FAA does not approve the construction grant, the airport has alternative options, including using cash reserves, pursuing redevelopment funds, or seeking donations and loans.
Mayse emphasized that the airport plays a vital role in local economic development.
“It’s the first thing they see when they land at the Richmond Airport for the City of Richmond,” Mayse said.
The airport currently supports local businesses including Dot Foods, Primex Plastics, and Georgia Pacific, and serves as a key resource for corporate travel and logistics. Mayse also stressed that the airport is not funded by taxpayer dollars for daily operations. Revenue comes from fuel sales, hangar rentals, and farm leases.
“We have an operating budget for 2026, it is $583,000,” Mayse said.
In addition to terminal upgrades, the airport supports flight training through Flight Master Aviation and plans to host community events, including food truck gatherings and potential airplane rides this summer.
Mayse said the goal is to encourage more people to use the airport and recognize its value to the community.
“We want people to choose Richmond because of the facilities we have. It’s kind of up to the pilot where they want to land,” Mayse said. “So, it’s important to have a well-maintained airport in your community, in your city.”
