Fresno Airport Receives $3.15M Federal Boost as Passenger Numbers Hit Record High

The funding will help plan and design infrastructure improvements to enhance airport services.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) has received $3.15 million in federal funding through the Airport Improvement Program, announced by Rep. Jim Costa. The funding will be used to plan and design infrastructure improvements to enhance airport services, building on past investments that have expanded terminal services, dining, retail, public art, and parking. The airport saw a record-breaking 2.7 million passengers in 2025 and is continuing to grow, with the addition of local businesses like Mad Duck Craft Brewing Co. in the terminal.

Why it matters

The federal funding will help Fresno's airport keep pace with growing passenger demand and continue to improve the overall travel experience. As a key regional transportation hub, the airport's development supports economic growth and connectivity across the Central Valley.

The details

The $3.15 million in federal funding is part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Airport Improvement Program and brings the total federal funding secured by Rep. Jim Costa for the Fresno Yosemite International Airport to more than $85 million in recent years. This investment will be used to plan and design future infrastructure improvements, building on past projects that have expanded terminal services, dining, retail, public art, and parking.

  • Fresno Yosemite International Airport opened its new concourse expansion in December 2025.
  • The airport saw a record-breaking 2.7 million passengers in 2025.

The players

Rep. Jim Costa

A U.S. Representative who has secured more than $85 million in federal funding for the Fresno Yosemite International Airport in recent years.

Jerry Dyer

The Mayor of Fresno, who expressed gratitude for Costa's continued efforts to drive funding to the airport, noting that each development brings new jobs, improved passenger experience, and long-term growth potential.

Francisco Partida

The Interim Director of Aviation at Fresno Yosemite International Airport, who stated that the federal funding will help advance infrastructure projects that expand regional connectivity and strengthen economic vitality.

Mad Duck Craft Brewing Co.

A local business that recently opened a location in the Fresno Yosemite International Airport terminal, as part of the airport's efforts to feature more local businesses.

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What they’re saying

“I'm proud to continue that work with this latest $3.15 million in FY26 funding. This investment will help design and plan the future of the airport. Building on past Community Project Funding and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grants, these resources strengthen regional connectivity and fuel economic growth that benefits families across the Central Valley.”

— Rep. Jim Costa (thebusinessjournal.com)

“Our airport has been growing steadily, and this investment allows us to build on that momentum. The result will be improved travel options, new jobs, and a stronger local economy.”

— Jerry Dyer, Fresno Mayor (thebusinessjournal.com)

“Securing this federal funding helps to support Fresno Yosemite International Airport in advancing infrastructure projects that expand regional connectivity and strengthen economic vitality. These projects deliver a world-class airport that meets the needs of our community and supports continued progress.”

— Francisco Partida, Interim Director of Aviation (thebusinessjournal.com)

What’s next

The airport plans to continue expanding its offerings of local businesses in the terminal in the future.

The takeaway

The federal funding for Fresno's airport demonstrates the importance of investing in regional transportation infrastructure to support economic growth and improve the travel experience for residents and visitors across the Central Valley.