Manhattan Airport Advisory Board
Week of May 12, 2026
Airport readies for Taxiway Alpha bid opening
Taxiway construction is expected to avoid major flight disruptions
Passenger traffic keeps pace with record year
American Airlines plans additional service for a fall K-State trip
Kansas Jet Center plans public open house
Sports charters drive strong year for local FBO
General aviation hangar demand still exceeds supply
Major troop movements continue at Fort Riley
Fort Riley braces for senior leadership changes
Airport advisory board seeks applicants as terms near end
Airport readies for Taxiway Alpha bid opening
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Contractors are actively reviewing the finalized design package for the massive Taxiway Alpha reconstruction project, with a public bid opening scheduled for May 19. Following the bid opening, airport staff will face a tight turnaround to assemble a grant request to the Federal Aviation Administration. The grant is expected to rely on actual bid costs rather than projections. The city's official bid posting confirms the May 19, 2026, opening for Taxiway A reconstruction.
Taxiway construction is expected to avoid major flight disruptions
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Taxiway Alpha reconstruction project is expected to avoid major disruption to commercial airline service and fixed-base operator activity when construction begins in late 2026 or early 2027. The project engineer with Olsson told the advisory board that phasing is designed to maintain airfield access during construction. The project will be built in three sections with little to no impact on operations for commercial, general aviation and military users.
Passenger traffic keeps pace with record year
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Passenger traffic at Manhattan Regional Airport remains exceptionally strong, narrowly trailing last year's record-breaking pace. From January through April, 52,766 total passengers flew out of and returned through the terminal, according to figures presented at the advisory board meeting.
American Airlines plans additional service for a fall K-State trip
MANHATTAN, Kan. — American Airlines will offer temporary additional service to an out-of-state destination this fall to accommodate Kansas State University fans traveling for a road game. The flight is expected to be operated by a regional carrier affiliate using a regional jet.
Kansas Jet Center plans public open house
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas Jet Center plans a public come-and-go event at the airport this month, with refreshments for visitors. Board members also praised the fixed-base operator's staff for providing high-touch service to private aviators.
Sports charters drive strong year for local FBO
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas Jet Center reported strong business activity, driven in large part by university athletics charters. The fixed-base operator handled extensive charter traffic across multiple sports and expects fuel sales to remain strong this fiscal year.
General aviation hangar demand still exceeds supply
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Despite the addition of new hangars, Manhattan Regional Airport continues to face high demand for general aviation storage space. Airport staff said a waiting list remains in place and openings turn over quickly. New hangars were completed in December 2024 and occupancy began in January 2025.
Major troop movements continue at Fort Riley
FORT RILEY, Kan. — Fort Riley is experiencing a significant shift in personnel as units move into and out of overseas rotations. Military liaisons told the airport advisory board that one brigade's equipment is headed to Europe and the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade is also preparing for movement. Soldiers from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team returned from a Poland rotation in mid-April.
Fort Riley braces for senior leadership changes
FORT RILEY, Kan. — A broad turnover in senior leadership at Fort Riley is expected in the coming months, marking a period of transition for the installation. Outgoing roles discussed included the deputy commanding general, the division command sergeant major and multiple subordinate commanders.
Airport advisory board seeks applicants as terms near end
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Multiple positions on the Airport Advisory Board are set to expire later this summer, prompting a call for applications from interested community members. The expiring seats include at-large and institutional appointments. Applications are expected to be reviewed and voted on for new three-year appointments in the coming weeks.
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