Taking flight in the Fifth

The Lynchburg Regional Airport is pictured May 28. The city's airport was one of 339 airports in 44 states and two U.S. territories selected to receive a share of $870 million in federal airport infrastructure funding. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy listens as Rep. John McGuire speaks during a roundtable at the Lynchburg Regional Airport on May 28. Home to rich history, a host of well-respected colleges and universities, and beautiful scenery, Virginia is a top-tier destination for visitors. Whether you're dropping your student off at one of our incredible universities, such as Liberty University, Randolph College, or the University of Lynchburg, catching the sunrise over the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, or stopping in for a Cheesy Western at the famous Texas Inn, the Hill City in particular has a lot to offer. Folks wanting to see all Virginia's Fifth District has to offer can fly into town using the rapidly growing Lynchburg Regional Airport in Campbell County. For years, the airport has only offered flights to Charlotte, North Carolina, but last October, that changed. The airport announced the launch of new nonstop flights to Washington Dulles and Chicago O'Hare, unlocking a new world of travel opportunities for fliers. The trips, which started in March, provide quick and easy access to Washington, D.C., an especially fitting trip as our nation celebrated its 250th birthday this year. It's proven to be an airport worth investing in, and the White House agrees, as seen by recent grants awarded from the United States Department of Transportation. In August of this year, the airport was granted $8 million for a terminal expansion. The funding is a part of $615 million in investments from across 42 states and two territories. The airport plans to create a wider, automated TSA exit lane that will reduce maintenance requirements, address circulation issues, and add a new ADA-compliant elevator for arriving and departing passengers and employees. It comes on the heels of Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy's visit to the Fifth District. I invited him to the Commonwealth to tour the airport and meet with employees to learn how we can help. Hosting Secretary Duffy was also a valuable opportunity for him to see firsthand where the money goes. This isn't the first time the airport has received attention from the White House. Last August, they received over $5.2 million of $870 million in federal airport infrastructure funding. Out of 339 airports in 44 states and 2 U.S. territories, the Lynchburg Regional Airport made the cut. The funds are earmarked for a major infrastructure investment that the city says will go toward new hangar development. The investments are needed because the Lynchburg Regional Airport serves more than 600 passengers a day, roughly 150,000 a year. The total economic impact is more than $140 million. When a town or city can provide easy access in, it opens the door for sweeping economic advantages. Restaurants and shops see more customers, hotels and Airbnbs welcome more guests, and the economy booms from tourists and business travelers. Since taking office, Secretary Duffy and President Trump have focused on modernizing air traffic control. Currently, the Department of Transportation and FAA are focused on delivering new systems by the end of 2028. The plan is to replace outdated telecommunications, radar, automation, software, hardware, and more. It's all in an effort to make your flying experience safer and smoother. We must continue investing in our airspaces, ensuring they have the resources they need not just to succeed, but to thrive as they transport folks across our great nation. I am proud of the Lynchburg Regional Airport and its staff for their dedication to quality travel. I thank Secretary Duffy for his dedication to ensuring smooth travel for all, and I look forward to doing my part to help keep people coming and going with ease in and out of the Fifth. I hope to see you soon. McGuire Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly! 🎧 The hosts debate whether AI-powered license plate readers provide meaningful public protection or create unacceptable risks involving priva… When a person loses the right to vote after a felony conviction, the consequence does not stop with that individual — families lose a voice, too. When it came to managing her career and investing her money, Dolly Parton said "yes" to a lot of kids -- and "no" to Elvis. 🎧 The hosts examine how civil debate, genuine curiosity and shared interests can turn differences in values or politics into opportunities fo… Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he plans to call for a ban on school districts employing anyone with an H-1B visa. This sweeping ban could harm st…