Rutland Airport Committee Advances Modernization to Strengthen Vermont's Regional Air Network
As Vermont’s only commercial airport outside Burlington, RUT’s planned upgrades aim to
enhance safety, accessibility, and sustainability for southern Vermont.
The Rutland Airport Committee is moving forward with a modernization plan for Rutland–Southern
Vermont Regional Airport (RUT), ensuring the state’s second-busiest—and only other commercial—
airport remains a vital transportation hub for passengers, pilots, and emergency services.
The Committee’s current focus includes terminal improvements, expanded hangar capacity, and
potential runway rehabilitation to meet modern aviation standards. The goal is to preserve and
improve existing infrastructure while supporting safety, accessibility, and environmental
responsibility.
enhance safety, accessibility, and sustainability for southern Vermont.
The Rutland Airport Committee is moving forward with a modernization plan for Rutland–Southern
Vermont Regional Airport (RUT), ensuring the state’s second-busiest—and only other commercial—
airport remains a vital transportation hub for passengers, pilots, and emergency services.
The Committee’s current focus includes terminal improvements, expanded hangar capacity, and
potential runway rehabilitation to meet modern aviation standards. The goal is to preserve and
improve existing infrastructure while supporting safety, accessibility, and environmental
responsibility.
Part of a Statewide Transportation Vision
Following major upgrades at Burlington International Airport (BTV), Vermont’s primary air gateway,
RUT’s modernization represents a complementary investment in the state’s air transportation
system. Together, these projects strengthen connectivity, improve regional resilience, and ensure
equitable access to air service across Vermont.
RUT’s modernization represents a complementary investment in the state’s air transportation
system. Together, these projects strengthen connectivity, improve regional resilience, and ensure
equitable access to air service across Vermont.
Accessibility and Sustainability
Plans prioritize ADA-compliant terminal enhancements, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable
building practices designed to reduce long-term operational costs and environmental impact.
building practices designed to reduce long-term operational costs and environmental impact.
Community and Economic Value
RUT supports scheduled Essential Air Service flights, general aviation, flight training, and emergency
medical transport. The Committee also supports retaining aviation tax revenues generated at each
Vermont airport for local reinvestment—keeping funds where they directly benefit communities.
“Modernization isn’t about expansion—it’s about reliability and relevance,” said Bob Knudsen, Vice
Chair and spokesman for the committee. “As Vermont’s only commercial airport beyond Burlington,
RUT plays a critical role in accessibility, tourism, and emergency readiness for southern Vermont.”
The initiative has earned bipartisan interest from local legislators, town officials, and state officials,
highlighting shared commitment to maintaining safe, modern, and sustainable infrastructure.
medical transport. The Committee also supports retaining aviation tax revenues generated at each
Vermont airport for local reinvestment—keeping funds where they directly benefit communities.
“Modernization isn’t about expansion—it’s about reliability and relevance,” said Bob Knudsen, Vice
Chair and spokesman for the committee. “As Vermont’s only commercial airport beyond Burlington,
RUT plays a critical role in accessibility, tourism, and emergency readiness for southern Vermont.”
The initiative has earned bipartisan interest from local legislators, town officials, and state officials,
highlighting shared commitment to maintaining safe, modern, and sustainable infrastructure.
For more information, contact:
Bob Knudsen, Vice Chair
Rutland Airport Committee
bob@bobknudsen.com
802.468.7874
