News from the MAC Chair - September 2025

I’m thrilled to share that the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) once again claimed the top ranking for mega airports in the J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study. This is a rare back-to-back win — and our third in four years. It’s an honor we share with our thousands of Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) and airport employees, tenants, airlines and other airport partners who provide the highest level of customer service. This is also a testament to the importance of our efforts to modernize our facilities, expand offerings, create innovative spaces and utilize technology to meet growing passenger demands.

This accolade is just one of many exciting things happening across the MAC. Read on for the latest news and happenings from around our community.

Celebrating Delta's centennial

This year, Delta Air Lines reached an incredible milestone that no other U.S.-based carrier can claim: 100 years in business. In 1925, Delta started as the world’s first aerial crop-dusting company and expanded into air mail service before growing into a leading global airline. MSP is Delta’s second largest hub by passengers. We’re thrilled to be a part of Delta’s success and for their continued investment in our region.

Summer travel soars

From peak travel days to special community events, summer flew by at MSP and across our network of airports. We kicked off the summer travel season at MSP with two new Delta routes to Rome and Copenhagen. We also supported new technology for the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to deploy Enhanced Passenger Processing.

MSP is the ninth U.S. airport to utilize the technology that uses biometrics to expedite CBP’s screening of arriving U.S. citizens and reduce wait times for clearing Customs after they arrive at MSP.  

One of my favorite parts about the summer season is inviting the community to experience our general aviation airports through events like fly-ins and pancake breakfasts. These are unique opportunities to see aviation up close and learn how these systems function.

Supporting our military employees

I’m proud to share the MAC has received state and national honors for its support of National Guard and Reserve employees, including the 2025 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award and highest U.S. government honor to employers for support of National Guard and Reserve employees. The MAC was one of only 15 recipients – and one of only five public sector organizations – to be recognized. The MAC also received the Pro Patria Award at the state level. 

The Employer Support Freedom Award stands out to me because we were nominated by our own Dustin Dodge, an Airport Fire Department Operator/Driver who retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserves. As a workplace, we are glad to support our military employees while they are on active duty and in training exercises. The MAC employs 91 active or retired service members, which is more than 10% of its total staff.

MSP in progress: runway construction

The second phase of runway construction at MSP wrapped up last week. Arriving and departing flight patterns were temporarily adjusted to accommodate the closure of the south parallel runway, Runway 12R-30L . Thank you to our neighbors for adapting to these changes as we completed essential safety and airfield improvements. Now that construction is completed, air traffic control has returned MSP to its pre-construction operational patterns.

Advancing our sustainability goals

As we invest in the future of our airports, we’re also advancing our sustainability journey. Take for example our current expansion of Terminal 2. Its stunning feature is a cross-laminated wood ceiling, which was constructed over the past several months. Other sustainability elements in the facility include a rainwater reclamation system, geothermal heat, green roofs and solar panels.

One of the most exciting advances for our region is the Minnesota Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Hub. We recently joined the MN SAF Hub partners – led by GreaterMSP – for a two-day tour in northern Minnesota exploring how wood and wood byproducts can be repurposed into aviation fuel. While SAF will one day fuel many of the planes taking off at MSP, our entire state has a hand in developing the SAF supply chain for our industry. I’m excited to see this collaboration already taking root.

Flying Cloud Airport 2040 Long-Tern Plan approved

Following engagement with key community stakeholders, the MAC board approved a long-term plan this month for Eden Prairie’s Flying Cloud Airport (FCM). As the busiest general aviation airport in the Twin Cities, Flying Cloud is an important regional asset, and this plan supports forecasted growth and development at the airport over the next decade.

News from the board

Lastly, I’d like to welcome new commissioners to the MAC board: Pamela Deal, Andrea Mokros and Barrett Ziemer.

Residing in Anoka, Commissioner Deal represents District E, which covers the northern Twin Cities suburbs and the Anoka County-Blaine Airport (ANE). 

Commissioner Mokros, of St. Louis Park, represents District D, which includes the northern half of Minneapolis and western suburbs. Commissioner Ziemer, of Hibbing, is one of four outstate representatives. Commissioners Rich Ginsberg and James Lawrence were also reappointed by Governor Walz. Commissioners serve four-year staggered terms, and we’re grateful to our new and returning members for their service to Minnesota’s aviation and transportation industries.

With the repeat J.D. Power recognition and so many exciting projects underway, we’re on track to end the year on a high note as we approach fall and winter.

 

Sincerely,

Rick King

Chair

Metropolitan Airports Commission