By Taylor Boyd
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Blue Ridge Regional Airport to celebrate the completion of its runway expansion from 5,000 to 6,000 feet. The airport, which opened in 1962, serves Patrick County, Henry County, and the City of Martinsville.
Airport Director Jason Davis said the 1,000-foot extension will have a generational impact, enhancing the airport’s capabilities and benefiting the region for years to come.
“The airport is an asset that is not restrictive and is one that fosters growth for localities that it serves, and that’s what we do,” Davis said. “This expansion is a significant investment in the future of the region as it improves our capabilities, attracts new aviation activity, and reinforces the airport’s role as a vital gateway for business and community growth.”
Davis added that the airport will continue to adapt to meet the growing needs of the aviation industry.
“Blue Ridge Regional Airport will continue to expand and adapt to meet the growing needs of the aviation industry,” he said.
Virginia Department of Aviation Executive Director Greg Campbell highlighted the runway extension as a key investment in the area’s infrastructure.
“This runway extension is a major step forward in ensuring that this part of Virginia has the infrastructure to reach its full potential,” Campbell said. “This project represents at least a decade of planning, coordination, and collaboration among local, state, and federal partners.”
In addition to the runway extension, Campbell noted that the airport expanded its terminal acreage to accommodate more aircraft and laid the groundwork for a new terminal building.
“These investments are not just improvements to an airport; they’re investments in the future of this region,” Campbell said. “With these enhancements, Blue Ridge Regional Airport will now be able to accommodate larger aircraft, attract new tourism opportunities, secure more flight activity, and improve operational reliability, particularly in inclement weather, ensuring safer and more efficient travel.”
Henry County Board of Supervisors member Debra Buchanan, of the Horsepasture District, emphasized the project’s long-term impact on the region.
“The completion of this runway expansion is far more than a construction achievement. It’s a strategic investment in the economic strength, safety, and long-term competitiveness of Martinsville and Henry County, and our neighboring communities,” Buchanan said.
She noted that the airport has long been a vital asset, serving more than 24,000 passengers annually and facilitating dozens of takeoffs and landings each day.
“This airport is often the first impression that business leaders, visitors, and prospective investors have of our region,” Buchanan said. “It’s also a community lifeline, supporting emergency medical flights.”
Buchanan said the expansion opens up new opportunities for economic development.
“With larger aircraft now able to land safely and efficiently, companies that previously had to fly into Roanoke or Greensboro can now choose Henry County instead,” she said. “That change may seem simple, but in the world of economic development, it’s transformative. Site selectors and executives won’t visit an area their planes can’t reach, and today we celebrate the removal of that barrier.”
She also noted that the expansion positions the region as one of only a handful of noncarrier airports in Virginia with such advanced capabilities.
“It strengthens our ability to support major tourism drivers like Martinsville Speedway and Primland Resorts,” Buchanan said. “It opens our doors for new industry, new partnerships, and new opportunities. Quite simply, it makes our window to the world bigger and more capable.”
Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell praised the achievement as a testament to the community’s collaborative efforts.
“As both a pilot and a former member of the Blue Ridge Airport Authority, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the airport’s transformation over the years,” Campbell said. “What we commemorate today represents years of careful planning, partnership, and perseverance all guided by a shared belief in the future of this facility and its importance to our region.”
Campbell, who has visited numerous airports across the country, said Blue Ridge Regional Airport stands among the best.
“This runway extension strengthens not only our aviation capabilities, but also our economic and community connections,” he said. “It enhances safety, increases accessibility, and reinforces Blue Ridge Airport’s role as a vital gateway to business, tourism, and civic engagement.”
Other speakers at the ceremony included Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Director of Tourism & Talent Development Sarah Hodges and Harvest Foundation President Kate Keller.
Following the ribbon cutting, Patrick County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rebecca Adcock spoke about the airport’s role in attracting investment to the area.
“This expansion creates a bigger window for investors and business leaders to come into Patrick County,” Adcock said. “Several guests and investors of Primland Resort will now land at the airport and immediately drive up to the resort. We hope this will expand the horizon for even more opportunities.”
