The City of Newport News and the Peninsula Airport Commission have announced a $4 million investment to transform the Newport News-Williamsburg Airport (PHF) into an Air Commerce Park. The goal is to reposition PHF as a center for economic growth and job creation, responding to recent studies that highlight challenges faced by traditional commercial air service due to industry changes such as airline consolidation and technological advancements.
Of the total investment, $3 million will go toward operational costs, while up to $1 million is allocated for capital projects that support the airport’s new direction. A recent Hampton Roads Air Market Study suggests moving away from focusing only on commercial air service. Instead, it recommends diversifying aviation uses at PHF to include cargo logistics, advanced air mobility, and aircraft manufacturing.
“This investment reflects our commitment to building a 21st-century economy,” said Mayor Phillip Jones. “By transforming PHF into an Air Commerce Park, we’re positioning Newport News as a hub for innovation, logistics, and advanced mobility. This effort will complement the cutting-edge work at Jefferson Lab and the strength of our shipbuilding industry, creating high-demand jobs and driving long-term regional growth.”
On June 24, 2025, City Council amended its Fiscal Year 2025 General Fund Operating Budget. The amendment provided an additional $23 million for development projects and operations including this airport initiative.
In addition to city funding, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine helped secure $6 million in federal funds for the Peninsula Airport Commission to reconstruct 6,500 feet of taxiways at PHF—an important step in preparing the airport’s infrastructure for its future role as a multimodal logistics hub.
The transformation is expected not only to preserve current jobs but also create new opportunities in sectors such as air manufacturing, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL), logistics, and aerospace research.
“We appreciate the City Council’s continued support, which is critical as we work to position PHF as a catalyst for economic growth,” said Lindsey Carney, Chair of the PAC. “We are focused on attracting forward-thinking partners who see the airport as a launchpad for innovation and high-tech workforce development.”
The Peninsula Airport Commission has started working with local and state agencies on infrastructure improvements and strategic planning so that PHF can serve as a commerce gateway for the region.
Newport News has historically played significant roles in military history with sites like Lee Hall Mansion serving during key campaigns in the Civil War (source). Today it continues its tradition of supporting diverse industries such as shipbuilding and technological research (source).
An announcement regarding staffing changes at PHF is expected soon.
