Pangborn Memorial Airport Runway Rehabilitation Project: Impact on Operations and Alternative Transportation Options
Pangborn Memorial Airport is set to undergo a $20 million runway rehabilitation project, leading to the closure of the runway starting on Tuesday. During this month-long closure, Horizon Air flights will be suspended, and other operations at the airport will be impacted. The runway is expected to reopen tentatively on October 3, following the closure that begins at 6 a.m. on September 2.
Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority Director of Airports, Trent Moyers, mentioned that commercial air service, air cargo, and fixed-wing aircraft operations will be unavailable during the runway closure. However, essential services like air ambulance, search and rescue, and wildland firefighting helicopters will still be able to operate. Car rental companies and FedEx will continue their operations at the airport during this period.
For travelers seeking alternative transportation options during the closure, the Wenatchee Valley Shuttle will provide services to and from the Amtrak Train Station in Wenatchee and Sea-Tac Airport. The shuttle service will increase its capacity to accommodate the increased demand during the runway closure. Additionally, special drop-off options will be available for passengers traveling to Pangborn Memorial Airport.
The runway rehabilitation project is essential as the 82-year-old runway last underwent major work in 1999. The project is primarily funded by the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, with additional contributions from the Washington State Department of Transportation and the Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority. Airport staff will also conduct maintenance projects, such as crack sealing the terminal parking lot, during the rehabilitation process.
In addition to the runway project, the port has awarded the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Tenant Improvement and Baggage Security bid to Ridgeline Custom Builders. This project aims to enhance baggage screening efficiency by relocating TSA offices and installing new screening equipment. Once completed, the new equipment will streamline the baggage screening process at the airport.