Connecticut Airports Awarded $7.1M in Federal Funding 

With approximately $7.1 million in funding from the Federal Aviation Administration, Connecticut’s two largest airports will make significant infrastructure improvements to their operations in Windsor Locks and New Haven. 

Bradley International Airport will receive three Airport Improvement Program grants totaling more than $3.9 million for terminal apron paving and taxiway projects.  

Tweed-New Haven Airport will receive two grants totaling more than $3.1 million to support runway expansion, taxiway and rehabilitation projects.  

Bradley Improvements 

“The $3.9 million in federal grants that was recently announced for Bradley International Airport will help support ongoing infrastructure projects, which includes paving the ramp area around our new terminal space to accommodate additional aircraft,” said Michael Shea, executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority. 

“This additional space helps position the airport for future growth as we continue to increase our number of nonstop destination.” 

Connecticut Airport Authority’s Michael Shea

“This additional space helps position the airport for future growth as we continue to increase our number of nonstop destinations and welcome new airline partners.” 

“The funds will also be used to extend one of our taxiways to make aircraft movement more efficient.” 

The apron paving project is part of a new, two-level facility behind the Sheraton hotel at Bradley to allow for new gates and to help speed baggage claim operations, said Connecticut Airport Authority spokesperson Brian Spyros.   

Tweed-New Haven Improvements 

At Tweed-New Haven, the grants will fund Phase 1 for the design of Runway 2, which will bring the runway up to current standards and enable it to accommodate more passengers and a broader fleet mix, airport officials reported. 

The airport will also add new landing guidance lights to help pilots, repair and strengthen parts of the main runway that have exceeded their useful life, and extend the runway by 975-feet.  

Other work includes fixing and upgrading connecting taxiways that planes use to move between the runway and terminal areas, as well as adjusting one taxiway to meet updated safety standards.   
   

“These federal investments represent another milestone in building a stronger, more resilient,
and future-ready Tweed-New Haven Airport.”

Tweed-New Haven’s Michael Jones

Additionally, this grant will provide reimbursement for Phase 2 of an environmental assessment completed in December 2023.  

“These federal investments represent another milestone in building a stronger, more resilient, and future-ready Tweed-New Haven Airport,” said Michael Jones, chief operating officer of The New HVN, the entity overseeing Tweed’s expansion.  

“By modernizing our runways and taxiways, we are ensuring that HVN continues to meet the highest standards of safety and efficiency while also supporting expanded service options for Southern Connecticut residents.”  

National Impact 

“This $7 million boost in federal support will make our two major airports safer, more reliable, and comfortable for all flyers,” Connecticut’s Congressional delegation said in a news release.  

“Connecticut welcomes and depends on visitors from all over the world, and residents who travel widely, to drive our economy.”  

“We’ll continue to fight for critically necessary federal investment in our airports.”  

The FAA’s Airport Improvement Program provides funding to public-use airports for planning and development projects that enhance safety, capacity, security, and environmental sustainability.  

As of Aug. 20, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration awarded nearly $2.2 billion in AIP grants to fund a variety of projects to improve runways airfields and airport facilities.