FAA Issues Certificate For Washington Manassas Airport

Washington Manassas Airport expects to begin commercial airline service in late 2027. Credit: Washington Manassas Airport

The FAA on Aug. 31 issued a Part 139 airport operating certificate to Washington Manassas Airport in northern Virginia, which expects to offer scheduled airline service by late 2027.

The Part 139 certificate issued to the city-owned general aviation airfield, located about 40 mi. west of Washington, D.C., represents the first such operating certificate issued to a Virginia airport in 53 years, the agency said. The approval marks the final step required for Washington Manassas Airport (HEF) to launch scheduled airline service, likely by one or more low-cost carriers.

“Achieving Part 139 certification reflects years of detailed preparation to ensure Washington Manassas Airport meets the FAA’s rigorous safety and operational requirements,” HEF Airport Director Juan Rivera said. “The certification validates the work our team has done across every aspect of the airport’s operations and confirms our readiness to safely support scheduled commercial service.”

The city of Manassas and Avports negotiated a 40-year lease agreement in 2024. That gives the airport management company the exclusive right to operate commercial passenger service from HEF and to expand its existing terminal facility. While the airport has received a letter of intent from an unnamed carrier, according to Rivera, Avports has not announced an airline.

The FAA said HEF in recent months has received equipment upgrades funded through the agency’s Brand New Air Traffic Control System initiative. These include new fiber wiring; digital, internet-protocol-capable voice switches for controller communications; and a National Airspace System Voice Recorder to capture, store and manage audio communications between pilots and controllers. Surface Awareness Initiative software technology is planned to follow in October 2027.

Separately, HEF is slated to receive a new air traffic control tower to replace its current aging structure by 2029. The new tower is partially funded with $29 million from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Part 139 certification requires airports to meet federal safety and operational requirements, including standards for aircraft rescue and firefighting, airfield signs, lighting and markings, runway safety, aircraft fueling safety, wildlife hazard management and safety management systems.