FAA's $1 Billion Airport Upgrade Bonanza – Final IIJA Cash Drop
Published Date: 12/11/2025
Notice
Summary
The FAA is offering about $1 billion in grants for airports to fix and upgrade terminals and control towers in 2026. This is the last year for this funding program, so airports need to apply by January 15, 2026. If you run an airport, now’s the time to grab this chance to modernize your facilities and keep things running smoothly!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
About $1 Billion in Grants
If you run an airport, the FAA is offering approximately $1 billion in competitive grants for Fiscal Year 2026 through the Airport Terminal Program. The funds are for eligible airports to upgrade terminals and airport-owned control towers under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
Final Year — Apply by Jan 15, 2026
If you run an airport, FY 2026 is the final year the Airport Terminal Program will make competitive grants available. You must submit FAA Form 5100-144 electronically by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on January 15, 2026 to be considered.
Funding Limited to Terminals and ATCTs
The ATP grants in FY 2026 are for eligible airports to fund airport terminal projects and airport-owned Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) development that address aging infrastructure. The program provided roughly $1 billion annually for FYs 2022 through 2026, and FY 2026 is the program's last year.
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