At a Glance

  • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to invest $870 million in airport infrastructure improvement projects across the United States, as announced in a press release on August 4.
  • The agency will distribute 339 grants to airports in 44 states and two territories through its Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program, which is part of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
  • The FAA has announced the fifth and final batch of airport grants totaling $2.89 billion for fiscal year 2026, the agency said.

Deep Dive

Notable projects in this round of investment include: Los Angeles International Airport receiving $289.35 million for new terminal access roads, and Miami International Airport receiving $50 million for terminal roof reconstruction. Additionally, Denver International Airport received $69.11 million, and Chicago O'Hare International Airport received $47.89 million for taxiway reconstruction, as detailed in the project grant list.

This batch of grants arrives as the IIJA enters its final months of its five-year authorization period. The act's authorization expires on September 30.

According to the FAA, AIG program funds can be used for airport planning, development, terminal improvements, baggage system upgrades, runway and taxiway repairs, road improvements, and other safety-related infrastructure needs.

Since fiscal year 2022, AIG funds have provided $14.5 billion for projects of the types mentioned above. Of this, up to $2.39 billion was reserved for primary airports and up to $500 million for non-primary airports in fiscal year 2026.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in the press release: "From regional hubs to the busiest airports in the United States, we are investing in critical infrastructure that will provide American families with smoother, more efficient travel experiences for years to come."

Among other airports that received AIG grants earlier in fiscal year 2026, Washington Dulles International Airport is worth mentioning—the Trump administration recently unveiled a $22.5 billion renovation plan for it. According to FAA data, Dulles Airport received approximately $23.11 million in grants through the program.

FAA Administrator Brian Bedford said: "We are making airports across the country safer and more convenient for travelers. We are distributing grants at a record pace to ensure we meet growing travel demand."

As the IIJA's authorization deadline (September 30) approaches, already-authorized funds will continue to be disbursed even if Congress fails to pass a new replacement bill. Last Saturday, the Senate passed a temporary funding bill to fund the government through December 11.