Following an extensive $12.3 million rehabilitation, the East Runway at Huntsville International Airport has reopened, the Port of Huntsville announced.

The project was funded through grants from the Federal Aviation Administration. The work ensures the airport continues to meet the rigorous demands of both international logistics and a growing commercial aviation passenger market. The East Runway was last rehabilitated in 2009.

“Infrastructure is the foundation of our regional competitive edge,” said Joey Ceci, Port of Huntsville board chair. “By investing in our runways today, we ensure that Huntsville remains a preferred hub for international commerce and a top-tier choice for the thousands of travelers who fly with us every day.”

The East Runway is 10,000 feet long, and the 14-month mill and overlay project also brought significant upgrades to the east airfield. Garver Engineering consulted on the project, and Rogers Group was the general contractor.

Along with repavement of the runway, the work included rehabilitation of the runway shoulders and the installation of eco-friendly LED lighting. The upgrades maintain HSV’s status as one of a small number of airports in the United States capable of handling Group VI aircraft, such as the Boeing 747-8 freighter and Antonov AN-124, the largest cargo aircraft in the world.

“The reopening of the East Runway is a major operational milestone,” said Butch Roberts, HSV CEO. “These improvements allow us to seamlessly manage the world’s largest cargo aircraft alongside our busy schedule of commercial, military and general aviation flights. It keeps our operations safe, efficient, and ready for the continued evolution of the aviation industry.”

The next chapter in HSV’s evolution could be commercial space flight. Huntsville International is licensed by the FAA to land Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser on the East Runway at HSV.

The airport serves as a vital gateway for North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley, hosting a robust selection of commercial carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Breeze Airways and Allegiant Air providing 18 nonstop destinations.