Earlier this year, the Bessemer Municipal Airport (EKY) was officially reclassified as a National Airport—a major milestone that is expected to attract more air traffic and boost the airport’s economic impact.

A major milestone for the Bessemer Municipal Airport

In January, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reclassified the Bessemer Municipal Airport from Regional to National status, a significant development in the airport’s role in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS).

A biannual report generated by the FAA, the NPIAS categorizes public-use airports by the roles they serve in the national airport system and helps determine the amounts and types of Federal funding is available for airport development. Of the 3,287 public-use aviation facilities in the NPIAS, only 122 General Aviation airports were awarded the national airport designation—including Bessemer’s EKY.

“We are thrilled and honored by this new classification. This recognition underscores our commitment to safety, efficiency, and customer service. It will open new opportunities for economic growth and community development in the City of Bessemer, the Birmingham metropolitan area and throughout Central Alabama.”
Karen Wadlington, President of the Bessemer Airport Authority Board of Directors

According to a press release from the Bessemer Airport Authority, the airport was awarded the National Airport designation for having met the following criteria:

5,000 or more instrument operations
11 or more based jets
20 or more international flights or 500 or more interstate departures

According to the FAA, the National Airport designation means an airport supports “the national airport system by providing communities access to national and international markets in multiple States and throughout the United States. National airports have very high levels of aviation activity with many jets and multiengine propeller aircraft.”

The reclassification elevates EKY’s status and is expected to attract more based aircraft and increase the frequency of transient flights, boosting the economic impact of the airport.

“This is a monumental step forward for our city. The reclassification of the Bessemer Municipal Airport as a National Airport will not only expand its operational capabilities but also catalyze economic development in our area.”
Kenneth E. Gulley, Mayor of the City of Bessemer

About the Bessemer Municipal Airport

Strategically located in Jefferson County at 900 Mitchell Field Rd, the Bessemer Municipal Airport dates back to 1945 and has been a vital regional hub for General Aviation for over fifty years.

Last year, the Alabama Aerospace and Aviation High School (AAHS) broke ground on a new state-of-the-art facility located on 3.6 acres of the Bessemer Municipal Airport’s campus.

Excited about the Bessemer Municipal Airport’s new designation? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!