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Members of the Washington Manassas Airport Commission, Airport Director, and The Honorable Tim Kaine pose around ceremonial shovels during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Air Traffic Control Tower. Pictured from left to right: Airport Director Juan E. Rivera; The Honorable Tim Kaine, Virginia Senator; Airport Commission Chairman Roderick Hall; Airport Commission Member, Carla Cox; Airport Commission Member Jakelin Melgar; Airport Commission Member Alison Paylor; and Airport Commission Vice Chairman Anthony McGhee.

Washington Manassas Airport Announces Groundbreaking for New Air Traffic Control Tower

Major infrastructure investment will enhance airfield visibility, modernize air traffic operations, and support the airport’s future growth.

Manassas, Va — Washington Manassas Airport (HEF), a department of the City of Manassas, celebrated the groundbreaking of its new Air Traffic Control Tower on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The ceremony marks an important milestone in the airport’s continued investment in aviation safety, modern infrastructure, and the future of air traffic operations.

The new tower represents a significant upgrade to the airport’s existing air traffic control facilities, providing controllers with improved visibility across the airfield and a modernized workspace designed to meet the evolving needs of aviation operations.


“Today marks the beginning of an important new chapter for the Airport,” said Airport Director Juan E. Rivera. “This project, which has been over 26 years in the making, represents our continued investment in the future of aviation, safety, and our community. On behalf of Washington Manassas Airport, I want to extend my sincere appreciation for the collaboration and dedication of our federal, state, county, and city partners for investing in our community.”

 

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Washington Manassas Airport Director Juan E. Rivera speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Air Traffic Control Tower. Pictured in the background from left to right: Airport Commission Chairman Roderick Hall; The Honorable Tim Kaine, Virginia Senator; and Assistant Administrator for Airport, FAA, Christopher Kelly in the background.

A New Height for Air Traffic Operations

The replacement tower will feature a controller eye height of 125 feet, an increase of 58 feet over the existing tower’s 67-foot controller eye height. This added elevation will provide enhanced visibility across the airfield.

The new control cab will encompass approximately 550 square feet, nearly three times the size of the existing 189-square-foot cab. The expanded space will provide air traffic controllers with a more modern and functional working environment.

The overall tower building will encompass approximately 18,300 square feet across eight stories, including a 9,180-square-foot base building. The facility will accommodate modern training and support spaces, including training rooms, offices, a playback room, and a state-of-the-art simulator. These resources will help support controller training and the continued development of air traffic operations.

The existing tower, commissioned in 1992, was the FAA’s first recycled air traffic control tower. The City of Manassas purchased the tower from Centennial Airport in Colorado for $65,000 and relocated it to Washington Manassas Airport, where it has served for more than 34 years.

 

 

Investing in the Future of Washington Manassas Airport

The new Air Traffic Control Tower is part of Washington Manassas Airport’s broader commitment to maintain safe, efficient, and modern aviation infrastructure while preparing for future opportunities. As Virginia’s 10th commercial service airport, Washington Manassas Airport serves the greater Washington, D.C., region and contributes $517 million to the local economy.

Construction is expected to be completed by 2029, with the project estimated to cost $41 million. Costello Construction, Columbia, Maryland, is serving as the project’s general contractor. RS&H designed the project and will be providing engineering services.

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Easel display of layout structure for the new Air Traffic Control Tower at the groundbreaking ceremony.

About Washington Manassas Airport

Washington Manassas Airport (HEF) is a department of the City of Manassas and a vital aviation and economic asset serving the greater Washington, D.C., region. The airport supports general aviation, business aviation, flight training, and other aviation services while providing important connections for the local and regional community.

Washington Manassas Airport is committed to being a world-class gateway connecting Manassas, Prince William County, and the Commonwealth of Virginia to the world.

 

Full Press Release