Lynchburg Regional Airport has been awarded an $8 million federal grant to expand its existing passenger terminal, improving passenger flow and accessibility while increasing the airport’s capacity to accommodate future growth.

The funding is being awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP) for Fiscal Year 2026. U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced the award August 14 as part of nearly $19 million in federal funding for airport infrastructure projects across Virginia.

“This $8 million investment is significant not only for Lynchburg Regional Airport, but for the entire region,” said Airport Director Cedric Simon. “Expanding the terminal will allow us to better serve today’s passengers while making a strategic investment in the airport’s ability to support future demand.”

The project will address one of the terminal’s primary passenger circulation constraints by creating a wider, automated TSA exit lane. The existing exit is narrow and relies on an aging automated access system that requires frequent maintenance. When that system is unavailable, arriving passengers must be routed through the departure entrance, creating opposing passenger flows within the terminal.

The expanded configuration will provide a more efficient and secure exit from the terminal’s sterile area, allow families to move through the space together more easily and improve circulation for older adults and passengers with disabilities. The project also includes a new ADA-compliant elevator serving arriving and departing passengers and airport employees.

The terminal is expected to expand from approximately 38,000 square feet to 39,600 square feet. The project will also incorporate energy-efficient improvements, including LED lighting, an energy-efficient elevator and exit lane, additional energy-efficient windows and updated mechanical systems.

The improvements are intended to support anticipated passenger growth at LYH, including increased travel associated with expanded air service and new destinations. The airport’s approved forecast projects approximately 79,900 passenger enplanements in 2028.

The federal investment follows U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy’s visit to Lynchburg Regional Airport in May, when he participated in a Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance roundtable with regional business and community leaders. During the discussion, Secretary Duffy referenced forthcoming federal investment at the airport.

The City of Lynchburg will work with the FAA and its project partners to advance the terminal expansion through the required design, review and construction phases. Additional information regarding the project schedule and potential impacts to airport operations will be shared as those details are finalized.

Passengers can find current flight and airport information at flylyh.com.