The Central Illinois Regional Airport (CIRA) has been awarded a $12.5 million dollar airport improvement grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to fund the first phase of CIRA’s upcoming Runway 11/29 Rehabilitation Project. This project will involve pavement rehabilitation and the installation of new runway lights, signs, and safety enhancements on the east–west runway, the shorter of CIRA’s two runways.
“The first phase of the rehabilitation work will take place throughout the spring, summer and fall of 2026,” said CIRA Executive Director, Carl Olson. “We are also planning for a second and final phase of the rehabilitation to take place in calendar year 2027.”
Central Illinois Regional Airport Authority Chair, Alan Sender, adds, “The Airport Authority and our community recognize the efforts and support of multiple offices and agencies on CIRA’s behalf to secure this grant, which will not only result in a safer, more vibrant airport, but will increase new investment and the creation of jobs for local workers.”
Central Illinois Regional Airport at Bloomington–Normal (CIRA) offers service on Allegiant, American and Delta with nonstop flights to Orlando/Sanford, Tampa/St. Pete, and connections to the world through Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, and Dallas–Ft. Worth. Free parking, easy access, and a convenient location off Rt. 9 East in Bloomington, CIRA provides air service to and from the world into central Illinois.
