Missoula Airport to Host a Master Plan Open House Next Week

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - With all the changes the Missoula Airport has undergone over the past few years, with a new terminal and more construction underway, officials want to get the public’s input on their newest Master Plan.

I spoke with Airport Director Brian Ellestad on Friday about the open house for the public to weigh in on the future plans of their airport.

With all the Changes to the Missoula Airport there's a New Master Plan Open House

“Back in 2007 and 2008 when we had our last master plan, that group was looking at doing a parallel runway saving room for a kind of a copy and paste of what we have today,” began Ellestad. “It's so far out to the south of us. There's so much earthwork to be done and it's just not financially feasible, so we just think moving it closer just help us with more general aviation development and reduce our noise footprint in the community. There are just a lot of positives that we're hoping to see through that development.”

Ellestad said the Airport is Always Planning for the Future

Ellestad said the growth in air travel is definitely being seen in Missoula, with more airlines joining their services, increased parking, and the second new terminal under construction.

“This is going to be a tight summer for us,” he said. “We've got probably well over 10 percent growth for the full year that coming up. So that's a big number coming up all at once. So, in 2025 we're definitely looking forward to the new full terminal. So again, we're doing phase two, but we have a phase three that we're also now starting that's what eight months behind phase two, just one more gate more hold room.”

READ MORE: Airline Returns to Missoula With New Cheap Direct Flights

Visitors to the Open House will Receive Free Parking

Ellestad provided details about the Airport Master Plan Open House.

“Our event starts from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. but it's an open house, so nobody should feel like they need to be there right at 5:30 p.m. We're actually hoping people kind of filter through so we can have more one-on-one time with everybody. They'll park in our short-term lots where the first hour is free. If they stay longer than an hour, we'll validate their parking. They'll come up to our third level where we’ll have different stations set up to just walk you through different parts; from the new future possible runway; or talk about general aviation development.”

The Airport Master Plan Open House will be Wednesday evening, March 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.