Capital Airport Receives $11.9 Million in Federal Funding

Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield will receive nearly $11.9 million in federal funding for airport infrastructure improvements, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin announced this week.

The Springfield airport was awarded $11,839,322 through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Grant Program. It is part of more than $66.3 million being awarded to airports and aviation programs across Illinois. The funding is intended to support infrastructure improvements, including work to improve taxiways, accommodate passengers and make airport operations safer and more efficient.

“Illinois’s airports not only keep passengers moving, but they also connect our communities, support local businesses and provide good jobs for families across the state,” Duckworth said. “This investment will help grow, modernize and expand our airports across the state. Together, we will keep working alongside our local leaders to advocate for federal funding that will make our skies safer, make traveling easier and support economic development across Illinois.”

Durbin said airport investments improve safety and service for travelers.

“Illinoisans rely on our airports to stay connected to loved ones, to travel for work, and to explore the best of the Midwest,” Durbin said. “Investing in our airports means better, safer service for Illinois’ travelers, so with this funding from FAA, our airports can expand their runways, improve safety, and deliver for fliers.”

Springfield Airport Authority Chairman Frank Vala said the investment will help the airport continue improving its facilities while providing a convenient option for travelers throughout Central Illinois.

“This federal investment will help us continue improving the airport and maintaining the infrastructure that keeps Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport safe, reliable and convenient for travelers,” Vala said. “We want people across Central Illinois to know they have a great option right here in Springfield, whether they are traveling for business or leisure. With free parking, nonstop destinations and connections to cities across the country, flying from Springfield can save travelers time and make the entire travel experience easier.”

The federal investment comes as Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport continues to offer several travel options for Springfield-area passengers.

Three commercial airlines currently serve the airport. American Airlines provides service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport, where passengers can connect to destinations across the United States and internationally. Allegiant offers nonstop service to Punta Gorda/Fort Myers, Florida, while Breeze Airways flies nonstop between Springfield and Orlando International Airport.

The airport also offers free parking for passengers for the entire length of their trip, eliminating one of the additional costs travelers can face when using larger airports. Airport officials recommend passengers arrive about 60 minutes before departure for check-in and security screening, although additional time may be needed during busy travel periods.

Travelers can also compare the full cost of flying from Springfield with other airports through the airport’s online True Cost Calculator, which is designed to look beyond the airfare itself when comparing travel options.

Low-cost nonstop options are also available on select dates. As of this week, Breeze was advertising select one-way fares from Springfield to Orlando beginning at $59 for several dates this fall and winter. Allegiant was advertising select one-way fares from Springfield to Punta Gorda/Fort Myers beginning at $74. Fares can change, and additional baggage or other optional fees may apply.

For Springfield-area travelers, those nonstop destinations, connecting service through Chicago, free parking and the ability to avoid a longer drive to a larger regional airport provide additional options when planning a trip.

Other recipients of the latest FAA funding include the Illinois State Block Grant Program, St. Louis Downtown Airport in Cahokia, Chicago Midway International Airport, Lewis University Airport in Romeoville, Quad Cities International Airport in Moline and Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois in Marion.