Bellingham Airport to Close for 30-Day Runway Repair Project

The monthlong closure will allow for runway upgrades and improvements to reduce future disruptions.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Bellingham International Airport (BLI) will be closed to air service for 30 days in the summer of 2027 to repair its only runway. The Port of Bellingham Commissioners unanimously approved the monthlong closure to incorporate additional construction activities and prevent more runway closures in the coming years.

Why it matters

As the only airport in Bellingham, the monthlong closure will result in a $385,000 revenue loss and impact airlines, tenants, concessionaires, and airport employees. However, the port aims to maximize funding and minimize future disruptions by completing multiple runway projects during the single closure.

The details

The Runway Rehabilitation Project will include the construction of runway blast pads and shoulders, the reconfiguration of three taxiways, and the replacement of taxiway lights. While the runway will be closed, the airport itself is expected to remain open, and helicopter operations including medical transport will not be impacted.

  • The runway closure is scheduled for the summer of 2027.
  • The project is expected to be advertised for bid on March 1, 2026.

The players

Port of Bellingham

The government agency that owns and operates Bellingham International Airport.

Michael Shepard

Port Commissioner who acknowledged the challenges of having only one runway at the airport.

Matt Rodriguez

BLI Director of Aviation who said the monthlong closure will allow the port to complete multiple runway projects at once.

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What they’re saying

“No one wants to be in a situation where we have to close a runway. Being an airport with only one runway, that means we have to close air service at our airport.”

— Michael Shepard, Port Commissioner (The Bellingham Herald)

“If we're going to close the runway for one project, what other projects can we chew off and throw into this overall closure, and then mitigate the impact of any additional closures from the years on out?”

— Matt Rodriguez, BLI Director of Aviation (The Bellingham Herald)

“I'm very glad to see that we're going to do this all in one shot. I don't think spreading it out over time would be good for the airport or good for anybody.”

— Bobby Briscoe, Port Commissioner (The Bellingham Herald)

What’s next

The project is scheduled to be advertised for bid on March 1, 2026, and the 30-day runway closure is planned for the summer of 2027.

The takeaway

By completing multiple runway projects during a single 30-day closure, the Port of Bellingham aims to minimize future disruptions to air service at Bellingham International Airport, the only airport serving the city. This approach will help the port maximize funding and reduce the impact on airlines, tenants, and the local community.