CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The board of the West Virginia International Yeager Airport unanimously approved its 2027 Fiscal Year budget during their monthly meeting Wednesday.
The airport expects $14.6 million for its operating revenues, a 3.3-percent increase from Fiscal Year 2026. The budget allocated $12.24 million for operating expenses, a 2.9-percent increase from the previous fiscal year.
The airport is raising prices for airlines with landing fees, terminal rentals, and per passenger.
– Landing fees will increase 25.7 percent, from 70 cents to 88 cents.
– Terminal rental rates will rise 4.6 percent, from $34.66 to $36.24.
– Cost per enplaned passenger will elevate from $11.62 to $12.13.
The board received an update on current finances, ten months into the fiscal year.
– revenues are up $297,000 (2.5%) over budget.
– revenues are up almost $950,000 from last year.
– revenues have increased 8.6-percent from 2025.
Yeager’s expenses have stayed under budget for the year as well. The board heard that expenses are almost $800,000 under what was projected for expenses at this point in the year, an 8.6-percent decrease.
In April alone, the airport took in $157,000 more than April 2025.
The airport also reported its total operating income is around $1.1 million over what had been budgeted for the year.
Terminal work update
Yeager Airport Chief Marketing Officer Paige Withrow provided an update on the lengthy renovation projects called “CRW Next.” Withrow said work has reached Phase Two.
Last year’s Phase One added a second baggage belt and updated lobby restrooms, Withrow said. Phase Two focuses on pre-security areas — curbside improvements, new flooring, new lighting, and new ticket counters.
The airport recently announced it received a $14.7 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Withrow said that funding will go toward Phase Three, which is beyond the security checkpoint.
Withrow said there will be new flooring, new lighting, and new gate holding areas.
There’s still a long way to go. Withrow said Phase Two will continue for another 14 months, and Phase Three is in the 30% design phase.
Myrtle Beach flights return
The board touted the return of CRW flights to Myrtle Beach this summer during its meeting. Those twice-weekly flights start June 10 and run through Labor Day, with one flight per day on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Flight School event
The Marshall University Bill Noe Flight School is hosting a ceremonial signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Thursday to announce a partnership with the state Department of Education. The partnership will launch the AIRWV (Aviation Innovation and Readiness West Virginia) Pathway program. AIRWV is designed to prepare public school students for careers in the aviation industry.
Marshall President Brad Smith will speak during the ceremony, which is set to begin at 3 p.m.