Alexandria International Airport (AEX) announces the completion of its Runway 18/36 extension, a critical infrastructure upgrade that enhances the airport’s capacity to support larger aircraft and expanding air service demands.

The construction project, which began in 2021 and added approximately 1,500 feet to the airport’s north-south runway, brings the total runway length to 8,503 feet. This extension complements AEX’s existing Runway 14/32 and allows AEX to more efficiently accommodate heavier commercial and military aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and the C-130.

“While AEX already boasts a premier 9,350-foot primary runway, the extension of Runway 18/36 significantly enhances our aviation competitiveness and long-term operational flexibility,” said Scott Gammel, AEX Director of Planning and Development. “This project represents a decade of meticulous planning and oversight, and we are proud to see it come to fruition.”

In addition to the physical runway extension, the multi-phase project included:

• Upgraded precision instrument approach lighting
• Taxiway improvements and lighting control system modernization
• A planned transition to a precision instrument approach, ensuring higher reliability for flight operations during inclement weather

This approximately $30 million investment was made possible through a collaborative funding effort between the Federal Aviation Administration and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. The project aligns with the England Airpark Master Plan, which commits to providing world-class facilities for regional travelers, military partners, and commercial carriers.