The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently announced a new round of funding totaling $84.$4 million in 2026 Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants will support infrastructure projects at airports in Texas, North Carolina, and Wyoming. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, these Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants are designed to modernize essential facilities while boosting safety and operational efficiency for travelers.
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy stated that the federal investment aims to ensure national aviation systems remain resilient and reliable. The agency intends for these resources to assist airports in addressing long-standing infrastructure needs, ranging from terminal expansions to airfield upgrades. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford noted that the funding provides critical support for projects that maintain safe and reliable operations for airports throughout the country.
Major projects receiving support in this announcement include a significant $40.San Antonio International Airport receives a $40.9 million grant to manage erosion and rebuild the airfield’s drainage systems. Additionally, Abilene Regional Airport is set to receive $17.5 million to facilitate a terminal expansion, and Jackson Hole Airport has been awarded $16.6 million for the rehabilitation of its taxiway systems. Wilmington International Airport will receive $3 million to fund the expansion of its apron.
AIP funding typically supports a wide variety of safety-focused infrastructure enhancements. Beyond the specific projects named in this release, the program generally covers costs related to runway maintenance, lighting, signage, and ground markings. These projects are intended to support the overall health of regional aviation hubs by providing the capital necessary for facility improvements that standard operating budgets might not otherwise cover.
For insurance professionals, these developments indicate a period of increased construction activity and facility modernization within the aviation sector. As airports undertake large-scale drainage, terminal, and taxiway projects, underwriters and brokers should monitor the potential shifts in risk profiles for these facilities. Large infrastructure investments often shift liability and property risk. Consequently, firms must review coverage and management strategies to protect facilities during and after construction.
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Source: Federal Aviation Administration
