An airport master plan is a comprehensive study of an airport that describes the short, medium, and long term development plans to meet future aviation demand. In early 2009, the Albany-Dougherty County Aviation Commission initiated a master plan update to determine the facility needs of the Southwest Georgia Regional Airport (ABY). Scheduled for completion in mid 2010, the master plan will evaluate many aspects of the facility including airfield, air cargo, general aviation, passenger terminal, and support functions.

During the course of the master plan update, visit FlyABY.com for master plan announcements, project updates, technical papers, and related information.

Based on a 2006 Terminal Improvements Study, the Aviation Commission is exploring the development of a new passenger terminal building to replace the existing terminal building that has been in service since 1959. A key component of the master plan update will be further evaluation of terminal replacement alternatives and preparation of cost estimates and implementation/phasing plans. Check FlyABY.com for continuing updates of the replacement terminal project.

Airports like ours mean Business. A recent economic survey finds that Southwest Georgia Regional Airport contributes $26.6 million annually to the Dougherty County community in terms of total economic impact. Further, the airport is responsible for supporting at least 276 jobs. Passenger survey data suggest that visitors comprise 43% of all passengers arriving at the airport; these visitors spend an average of $161 per day and stay an average of 3.39 nights. It is estimated that direct visitor spending in our local economy exceeds $8.4 million annually. (Source: The Economic Impact of the Southwest Georgia Regional Airport in Albany, Georgia, Dr. Cliff Lipscomb, 2009).