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Bessemer Today
By the People, for the People
Bessemer National Airport Secures $4M for Large-Aircraft Parking Renovation
The renovation is part of the airport's long-term infrastructure plan to support its national status and future growth.
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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The Bessemer Airport Authority has secured $4 million in Congressionally Directed Spending to fund the renovation, modernization, and potential expansion of the Bessemer National Airport's primary large-aircraft parking apron. The project will help support the airport's mission as an FAA-designated reliever airport and enable future development of the EKY AeroPlex Technology Park.
Why it matters
The Bessemer National Airport's reclassification from Regional to National status by the FAA last year was a significant milestone, requiring the airport to upgrade its infrastructure to support a wider range of larger aircraft and operations. This renovation project is a critical step in that process, ensuring the airport can safely accommodate corporate, emergency, military, and other large aircraft while also unlocking future development opportunities.
The details
The renovation project will focus on the airport's primary large-aircraft parking apron, which is frequently used by larger planes. In addition to the pavement renovation, the airport plans to relocate its Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) to another location in order to enable future hangar development near the renovated apron.
- The Bessemer Airport Authority announced the $4 million in funding on March 4, 2026.
The players
Bessemer Airport Authority
The organization that oversees operations and development at the Bessemer National Airport.
Karen Wadlington
Board President of the Birmingham Airport Authority.
Kenneth E. Gully
Mayor of the City of Bessemer.
Tommy Tuberville
U.S. Senator.
Katie Boyd Britt
U.S. Senator.
What they’re saying
“These apron improvements are essential to EKY's mission as an FAA-designated reliever airport and to our vision for the future. This project directly supports safe aircraft operations, protects valuable aviation assets, and enables the growth of the EKY and supports the future development of the EKY AeroPlex Technology Park. We deeply appreciate the support of our congressional delegation.”
— Karen Wadlington, Board President, Birmingham Airport Authority (bhamnow.com)
“This is a major win for the City of Bessemer. Renovating the apron ensures safer operations today while laying the foundation for transformative improvements, including the new terminal building and expanded aviation services. We are grateful for the support of Senators Tuberville and Britt in securing this investment.”
— Kenneth E. Gully, Mayor, City of Bessemer (bhamnow.com)
What’s next
The Bessemer Airport Authority plans to begin the renovation project in the coming months, with the goal of completing the work by the end of 2026.
The takeaway
The $4 million renovation project at the Bessemer National Airport represents a significant investment in the airport's infrastructure and its ability to serve as a vital regional transportation hub. By upgrading the large-aircraft parking apron, the airport can better accommodate the growing demand for corporate, emergency, and other large-scale aviation operations, while also unlocking future development opportunities that will benefit the entire Bessemer community.
