McAllen International Airport, FAA, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Airport Terminal Program, McAllen, Rio Grande Valley, Javier Villalobos, Isaac J. Tawil, Jeremy Santoscoy, aviation, transportation, economic development, South Texas, airport expansion
Staff Report
McALLEN, TX - McAllen International Airport has secured a $7 million federal grant through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Terminal Program under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, funding that city leaders say will help support continued passenger terminal expansion and accommodate the airport’s rapid growth.
The investment is aimed at improving terminal capacity, enhancing the passenger experience and preparing the airport for future air service expansion across the Rio Grande Valley.
City officials said the funding comes as McAllen International Airport continues to see strong passenger traffic and increasing demand for regional and international connectivity.
Mayor Javier Villalobos praised the federal support and emphasized the airport’s importance to the region’s economy and international ties.
“Thank you to our federal partners and elected officials for their continued support of McAllen International Airport and the important role it plays in connecting our community, region, and international travelers,” Villalobos said. “With millions of passengers moving through our terminal annually, MFE serves a diverse audience that includes leisure travelers, business professionals, and binational visitors who contribute to the economic vitality of South Texas.”
Supporting Regional Growth
City Manager Isaac J. Tawil said the grant will help ensure the airport is positioned to meet future transportation and economic demands as passenger traffic continues to increase.
“As passenger traffic and air service opportunities continue to grow, investments like this are critical to ensuring our airport is prepared to meet the future needs of both travelers and our region,” Tawil said.
Tawil described McAllen International Airport as a key driver for commerce and tourism in South Texas and highlighted the broader regional impact of the expansion project.
“McAllen International Airport is more than a transportation facility, it is a vital gateway for commerce, tourism, and regional connectivity,” Tawil said. “This project will improve operational efficiency, enhance the overall passenger experience, and further strengthen McAllen’s position as a leading transportation hub serving South Texas and our binational economy.”
Passenger Demand Continues to Rise
Airport Director of Aviation Jeremy Santoscoy, P.E., said the federal funding represents a major investment in the airport’s future as annual passenger numbers continue climbing.
“McAllen International Airport’s significant growth, and this funding represents an important investment in the future of our airport,” Santoscoy said. “We appreciate the support through the Airport Terminal Program and remain committed to delivering infrastructure improvements that enhance safety, efficiency, and customer service for the more than 1.1 million passengers we serve annually.”
The Airport Terminal Program was created through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to support modernization projects at airports across the country.
Source -- McAllen International Airport