Manhattan Airport Advisory Board
Week of August 13, 2026
Board recommends city commission accept $16 million grant for taxiway project
Airport director addresses eminent domain rumors surrounding taxiway project
Direct flight to Phoenix surpasses one-third capacity ahead of K-State game
American Airlines upgrades jets, Wi-Fi offerings and holiday schedules in Manhattan
Board urges rental car agencies to address after-hours customer service
Fort Riley deployments expected to slow airport traffic through spring
Board member raises pilot safety concerns over unannounced lighting work
Airport to host full-scale multi-agency emergency exercise in September
Board recommends city commission accept $16 million grant for taxiway project
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan Regional Airport Advisory Board unanimously voted to recommend the Manhattan City Commission accept a grant for the $16 million Taxiway Alpha project. Airport Director Brandon Keazer said the Federal Aviation Administration will cover 95% of the costs due to recent federal reauthorization, saving the city approximately $800,000 compared to the standard 90% cost share. The project will rebuild a 7,000-foot taxiway with 15-inch-thick pavement and new lighting. Construction is slated to begin in March 2027 and conclude by November of the same year without disrupting commercial flight operations.
Airport director addresses eminent domain rumors surrounding taxiway project
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Airport Director Brandon Keazer assured the public that the upcoming Taxiway Alpha project will not involve eminent domain or property acquisitions along South Airport Road. Addressing unsubstantiated rumors raised by board members, Keazer emphasized the $16 million project is exclusively a pavement reconstruction, not a runway expansion, and will be confined entirely within the airport's existing operational fences. While no roads will permanently close, Keazer noted residents may experience increased construction equipment traffic on Skyway Drive when work begins in March 2027.
Direct flight to Phoenix surpasses one-third capacity ahead of K-State game
MANHATTAN, Kan. — American Eagle General Manager Brennan Walter reported that a special direct flight to Phoenix for the Kansas State University football game against Arizona State University is already more than one-third booked. The nonstop flights are scheduled to depart Manhattan on Oct. 23 and return Oct. 25 for the Oct. 24 game. Walter and airport officials said strong bookings on this route could demonstrate local market demand and open the door for future discussions about recurring direct service to Phoenix or other major airline hubs.
American Airlines upgrades jets, Wi-Fi offerings and holiday schedules in Manhattan
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Travelers flying out of Manhattan will continue to fly on larger regional jets and will now have access to free in-flight Wi-Fi, according to American Eagle General Manager Brennan Walter. Walter confirmed the airline is keeping the Embraer 170 and 175 aircraft on its Manhattan routes, permanently retiring the CRJ-200s. The airline is also equipping its fleet with high-speed satellite internet for frequent flyer program members and will bring back a second daily flight to Chicago in time for the upcoming holiday travel season.
Board urges rental car agencies to address after-hours customer service
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Late-arriving passengers at Manhattan Regional Airport are repeatedly left without rental cars, prompting the advisory board to call for extended operating hours. Board members noted that rental car kiosks have been closing at 6:05 p.m., forcing passengers on evening arrivals to take rideshares to hotels and return the next day. Airport management confirmed they are working with the rental agencies to implement solutions, including lockboxes for advance bookings, app-based technology and extended staff hours for fully booked incoming flights from Dallas and Chicago.
Fort Riley deployments expected to slow airport traffic through spring
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Military passenger traffic at Manhattan Regional Airport is expected to drop significantly as major troop deployments continue at nearby Fort Riley. Board members noted that with multiple brigades and support units deploying, the population on post will temporarily fall to between 5,000 and 6,000 troops. Activity is anticipated to remain low until the spring, when training rotations conclude and service members begin returning to the region.
Board member raises pilot safety concerns over unannounced lighting work
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Manhattan Regional Airport Advisory Board member Bradley Harrison relayed safety concerns from a pilot, who declined to be named, regarding a recent landing during unannounced runway lighting work. According to Harrison, the pilot stated they navigated crosswind conditions they characterized as unsafe, alleging the airport failed to publish a Notice to Air Missions beforehand. Airport Director Brandon Keazer responded that management followed appropriate commercial service regulations, coordinating escorts with the control tower so the Federal Aviation Administration could complete delayed maintenance on the approach lighting system. Harrison and the pilot disputed the airport's handling of the maintenance window.
Airport to host full-scale multi-agency emergency exercise in September
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Manhattan Regional Airport will host a full-scale emergency response exercise on Sept. 10 to simulate an aircraft crash scenario. Required by the Federal Aviation Administration every 36 months, the drill will involve coordination between the airport, Riley County Emergency Medical Services, the Manhattan Fire Department and Fort Riley responders. The exercise will use a remote incident command center, triage stations and mannequins to test mutual aid response times and communication protocols. Standard commercial flights will not be interrupted.
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