MANASSAS, Va. — After more than 12 years in the making, Manassas Mayor Hal Parrish and other officials opened a new longer runway at the city’s Regional Airport.
The runway at Virginia’s largest municipal airport has been extended to 6,200 feet – 500 feet longer than it was before – providing new safety improvements, reduced aircraft noise for those who live nearby, and with new improvements to ground instruments pilots flying in heavy fog can now land when approaching from the south.
“We can now extend our reach in Manassas, to the rest of the nation, and to the world,” said Parrish.
The airport was built in its current location off Va. 28 since 1964. It contributes $235 million to the local economy as well as helps to provide jobs for more than 1,000 people in Manassas and Prince William County, said Parrish.
The mayor began flying at this airport when he was young. It’s where he got his pilot’s license, and while reminiscing at a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, he told attendees the city’s first airport was established in 1937 at what is now Manaport Plaza across from Manassas Mall.
“That was well before Interstate 66 was here,” he said.
The $4.6 million runway expansion here was one of several projects to improve the airport in recent years.
“It’s fitting this being the day before Thanksgiving because many are thankful that this project is over,” said Manassas Regional Airport Director Juan E. Rivera.
With the longer runway comes new opportunities for flying in summer weather, city officials posted in a press release:
The 6,200 foot runway means that aircraft taking off and landing at the Manassas Regional Airport will allow aircraft owners to maximize the capability of their aircraft by providing the opportunity to take on more fuel for coast-to-coast flights. In addition, most aircraft can now maximize their takeoff capabilities. On the hottest summer days an aircraft can now take off with a tank full of fuel.
And because Manassas is just 30 miles from Washington, D.C., and that federal city has a large party planned to inaugurate President Barack Obama into a second term, the airport hopes to get planes to land here for the event.
Recent Stories
Police are investigating after an 18-year-old man was fatally struck by a train early Wednesday morning near Manassas Drive.
Potomac Local News is giving away free tickets to one of the most powerful shows of the summer—Next to Normal at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts—and entering is as simple as filling out a form.
This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom rambler in Fauquier County just saw a price reduction and is ready to welcome new owners looking for peaceful country living with modern comforts.
Fireworks will light up the sky over Garrison Park this Sunday as the Town of Dumfries hosts its annual Independence Fireworks Show.
The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Christmas in July
Volunteer Prince William will be holding a fun-filled Christmas in July event at Heritage Brewing Co on July 26th from 12pm until 6pm with all proceeds going to support the 2025 Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket Program. Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
