The Federal Aviation Administration announced on Monday that the Washington Manassas Airport can begin offering service to certain commercial passenger airlines, opening the door to more flight opportunities for the Washington region, including Northern Virginia. 

Washington Manassas Airport, formerly  Manassas Regional, will become the fourth commercial airport in the Washington region, giving travelers another choice and possibly expanding economic activity, local leaders said.

The agency said the airport is the first to receive the operating certificate in 53 years, a milestone that will be followed by a build-out of modern infrastructure and technology to enable safe, sustained commercial passenger service.

“The certificate serves as FAA’s official seal of approval, confirming that this airfield’s safety protocols, emergency response capabilities, and operational infrastructure meet the rigorous federal standards required to support regional passenger airlines,” said FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Dan Edwards. “It’s a huge win for regional connectivity and for the local economy.”

Leaders from various levels of government joined Edwards for the announcement at the airport on Monday.

The FAA said the airport received its Part 139 Airport Operating Certificate after demonstrating compliance with multiple federal safety standards, including runway and taxiway pavement conditions, aircraft rescue and firefighting, emergency planning, wildlife hazard management and personnel training.

According to the agency, the airport has also received more than $46 million in federal funds over the past five years to support critical infrastructure improvements, including runway rehabilitation, a new passenger terminal opening in fall 2027, and construction of a new air traffic control tower, which is scheduled to be completed in 2029.

Airport director Juan Rivera said the facility’s new commercial certification capped an intentionally rigorous process designed to protect passengers.

“Getting a Part 139 operating certificate is not an easy process, and quite honestly, it should not be,” Rivera said. “The requirements are rigorous for a reason. At the end of the day, this is about safety and security of our flying public, and that’s something that we take seriously here at the airport every single day.”

Greg Campbell, director of the Virginia Department of Aviation, framed the airport’s switch from general aviation to commercial service as a rare, complex, and highly significant upgrade driven by local leadership that is expected to yield major economic and connectivity benefits.

“Moving an airport from a general aviation airport to an air carrier commercial service airport with the FAA is a big deal, and I’m so glad that we could be here today,” Campbell said.

He added that the milestone makes Manassas Airport Virginia’s 10th air carrier or commercial service airport.

Rivera said he hopes the airport will celebrate its first commercial flight in November 2027, offering about three or four round-trip flights a day to vacation destinations. He did not specify which air carrier is being considered, only that it would be low-cost for travelers.