Bangor International Airport Celebrates Completion of Runway Rehabilitation Project with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Bangor International Airport Celebrates Completion of Runway Rehabilitation Project with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Bangor, Maine - Bangor International Airport hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, December 22, 2025 to mark the successful completion and full reopening of Runway 15-33, one of the most significant airfield rehabilitation projects in the airport's history.

After two summer construction seasons, the runway reopened to full operational length (11,440 feet) on September 10. The project included complete pavement rehabilitation and associated airfield improvements, restoring the runway to meet current safety, operational, and performance standards.

The first aircraft to operate on the rehabilitated runway at full length was from Bangor's 101st Air Refueling Wing, reflecting the runway's critical role in supporting both civilian and military operations.

This more than $45 million infrastructure project was completed through close coordination among airport staff, contractors, regulatory agencies, and aviation partners. Bangor International Airport extends its appreciation to all employees, contractors, partners, and stakeholders whose collaboration ensured the project's successful delivery.

"I [also] want to take a moment to thank the Airport staff members - They have worked tirelessly over the last few years, from planning to deign to construction itself to make this possible. Thank you!," said BGR Director Jose Saavedra during his remarks at the event. "While the runway has officially been fully open for a few months, it was important to us to take the time to celebrate this multi-million dollar project with all of you - the key officials, partners, and stakeholders who ALSO made it happen."

Project funding was provided through a combination of federal, state, military, and local investment:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): $27.4 million

Maine Air National Guard (MEANG): $16.4 million

Maine Department of Transportation (Maine DOT): $1.5 million

Bangor International Airport: $1.5 million

Runway 15-33 had reached the end of its useful life, making rehabilitation essential to the airport's long-term operational reliability. The ribbon-cutting ceremony formally recognized the completion of this critical infrastructure investment and the partnerships that made it possible.

"As we wrap up today's celebration, I want to note that this project is also just one piece of a broader effort underway at Bangor International Airport," said Saavedra. "We are continuing to invest in infrastructure and improvements across the airfield and terminal to meet growing demand and ensure we're prepared for the future. These efforts will position BGR to continue serving our community, our military partners, and the region with the reliability and pride they expect and deserve."