Asheville Regional Airport will receive $2.56 million in federal transportation funding for planning tied to a future parking garage and improvements connected to runway safety, marking another step in the airport’s continued growth.

The grant, awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation, is expected to help the airport study parking needs and prepare for future infrastructure demands as passenger traffic continues to grow across Western North Carolina. The funding will also support safety-related runway improvements.

Airport access has become an increasingly important issue for travelers throughout Buncombe, Henderson, Haywood, Transylvania, and surrounding counties. As more residents and visitors use Asheville Regional Airport, parking availability and traffic flow have become practical concerns for families, business travelers, tourists, and older adults who rely on convenient access.

Airport officials have been planning for long-term growth while also managing the day-to-day pressure of increased travel demand. A parking garage study does not mean immediate construction, but it is an important planning step that can help determine design, cost, traffic impact, and timing for a future project.

The runway safety portion of the grant is also significant. While parking improvements are more visible to travelers, airfield safety projects are essential to keeping the airport prepared for current and future passenger volume.

The grant arrives as Western North Carolina continues to rebuild and reposition itself after Hurricane Helene. For a region that depends heavily on tourism, healthcare travel, business connections, and family visits, airport improvements are closely tied to economic recovery and long-term regional access.

Asheville Regional Airport has become more than a local convenience. It is now a major gateway for the mountains. This latest funding does not solve every growing pain, but it gives the airport additional resources to plan for the next stage of travel demand in Western North Carolina.