Gulfport Biloxi International Airport officials share plans on runway extension project

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV)- New developments are taking off at the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport.

At Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, a runway is set to get a major upgrade.

Right now, only the main runway can handle larger planes, but the second runway is just under 5,000 feet and has its limits.

Airport Executive Director Clay Williams says this expansion project will make a big difference. “If we have a disabled aircraft or unscheduled maintenance on the primary runway, then we are unfortunately having to divert traffic around the southeast. So, extending the runway will allow secondary utilization by our air carrier partners.”

Currently, the runway is only used by smaller military aircrafts and general aviation pilots. The plan is to extend it by more than a thousand feet, bringing it closer to 6,500 feet.

Williams says this will give aircrafts an alternative and improve passenger experience. “The project is designed. It’s currently out for bid. Bids are projected to be open in the middle portion of May. Then, at that particular point in time, once construction is underway, we anticipate a 24-month project.”

Airport officials say this will not cause any air travel delays when the work begins.