On August 17, a large crowd gathered to celebrate the Grand Opening of North Central West Virginia Airport’s new terminal, an incredible expansion project that, over quite a bit of time, has progressed from a vision to reality.
Airport Director Rick Rock relayed that the initial foundation of that vision’s introduction occurred a decade ago. While members of the Airport Authority felt the existing terminal was serving the area well at the time, their minds and their sight began to look toward ensuring its progressive future.
“We had countless discussions about how we might grow our air service, improve passenger experience, support economic development, and position this region for further opportunities,” Rock stated.
All of the exchanges, suggestions, and ideas that were considered were ultimately put into action, but such a major investment takes time and thorough planning.
There were more conversations, numerous meetings, drawings put on paper, funding applications submitted, construction decisions to be made, and other challenges to be addressed. They did not simply mark time; they had a common goal and were working together diligently behind the scenes to make certain their goal would eventually be met.
Mr. Rock shared a long list of ‘appreciations’ with those in attendance at the Grand Opening, saying that the new terminal project became a ‘partnership at every level’. “Those partnerships included strong support and cooperation from the federal government, the State of West Virginia, our local county and city governments, the Benedum Airport Authority, our engineering and construction partners, our airlines, airport employees, and the Bridgeport community as a whole,” Rock stated.
“We are so grateful that the State of West Virginia and many leaders have continued to recognize the importance of aviation infrastructure to the future of our state,” he added. “Our new airport terminal is much more than just a place where airplanes take off and land; it is an investment in North Central West Virginia and an economic engine. Airports connect businesses to customers and employers to talent. They bring visitors into our communities and support tourism; they create jobs, and perhaps most importantly, they connect our people to the rest of the country and the world.”
Rock also emphasized some of the changes that have occurred on property surrounding the airport through the years. “We have watched as the aviation and aerospace industry has grown around us; we have seen new businesses, new investments, new jobs, and new opportunities develop around this property,” Rock noted. “While we are proud of what we are celebrating, this is not the ‘finish line’; in many ways, this is the ‘starting line’. This new terminal by itself does not guarantee growth. What it does is give us the platform to pursue growth. We must continue to attract additional air service. We must continue growing the aerospace industry surrounding this airport. We must continue creating jobs, and we must continue to look years down the road toward what might happen next!
NCWV Airport’s Deputy Director Shawn Long also spoke to the crowd that had gathered, providing many other details. He reported that while the vision originated years ago, it started taking shape in 2019 when the State of West Virginia made a major investment that allowed them to begin preparing the property for development.
Long stated that in June of 2021, they officially broke ground on what became known at the airport as “Move the Mountain”, a label that was quite suitable considering the fact that approximately 3.1 million cubic yards of dirt had to be moved in order to prepare the site for the new terminal!
He added, “However, it also created something much larger – room for additional development and future economic growth around this airport.”
In late 2022, Long confirmed that they received a significant $15 million investment from the Federal Aviation Administration that allowed them to move forward with construction.
Mascaro Construction began work in April of 2023, and over the next year and a half, the terminal building went from drawings on paper to a real structure. By the end of 2024, the terminal building was substantially complete and now represents more than a $70 million investment.
“To open this terminal, we also needed the infrastructure to support it. On the airfield side, it meant constructing a new taxiway connecting the terminal area to the runway and a new commercial aircraft apron,” Long explained. “On the landside, it meant bringing in utilities and constructing the access road, loop road, parking lot and new traffic signal.”
That merely covers exterior needs! Inside the terminal building, there were more necessities: passenger seating for those waiting to embark, a state-of-the-art baggage handling system, a jet bridge, audio-visual systems, and all of the equipment necessary to operate a modern commercial airport terminal.
“These projects continued throughout 2025 and into 2026,” Long continued. “Within just the last several weeks, the final paving, striping and finishing work was completed. After a considerable investment and years of work, we can finally stop talking about building the new terminal and proudly start using it!”
This new terminal is now a three-story spacious facility with square footage increasing from 14,000 to 54,000 square feet. The first floor features a check-in area, baggage return area, as well as car rentals.
An escalator provides an easy transference to the second floor where passengers can comfortably sit to await boarding their flights, and since the airside area is glassed-in, it provides a clear view as planes take off and land. Snacks and drinks are also available for awaiting passengers in that area.
The third floor is utilized for administrative offices. The parking lot was enlarged as well, and now offers 577 parking spaces dedicated specifically to the airport.
It has been said that patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting! Bringing this project from a mindful vision to a fulfilled achievement has taken not just a lot of time but a great deal of patience, to say the least.
Now to the point where they can truly say that “A New Era Takes Flight” speaks volumes about the Airport Authority and all of those who supported this project through years of waiting. Throughout this lengthy endeavor, they remained resilient, motivated, determined and committed. They certainly deserved a celebratory Grand Opening day!
