STP Long-Term Plan
The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) – the airport authority that owns and operates the St. Paul Downtown Airport – is in the process of updating the St. Paul Downtown Airport Long-Term Plan through 2040. As the airport and its surrounding community experiences growth, this process allows the MAC to plan for the future, make smart capital investments and improvements in partnership with the community, and ensure that the St. Paul Downtown Airport is continuing to fulfill its purpose as a reliever airport in concert with the values and needs of the community.
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About St. Paul Downtown Airport
Located along the Mississippi River just south of downtown St. Paul, the St. Paul Downtown Airport (STP) generates a vibrancy all its own. A popular base for corporate aircraft due to its location and for having the longest runway — 6,941 feet — in the MAC’s general aviation airport system, the airport also offers charter services, has two fixed-base operators and a U.S. Customs facility, and is home to the popular Holman’s Table restaurant.
About the St. Paul Downtown Airport Long-Term Plan
The St. Paul Downtown Airport (STP) Long-Term Plan (Plan) is a forward-looking planning tool that studies facility and infrastructure needs based on projected activity at the airport.
The Plan will provide a roadmap to guide the MAC’s development strategy and capital improvements planning for the STP over the next 5-10 years by renewing aviation activity forecasts, understanding facility needs and identifying ways to meet those needs.
The planning process will evaluate when facility improvements may be needed to accommodate projected demand in a manner that is safe, efficient, orderly and cost-effective. The Plan does not authorize construction or improvements to facilities. Rather, it helps the MAC better understand and plan for future facility needs.
The MAC completes this planning process in coordination with the Metropolitan Council for each of its airports every 10 years. The planning process began in 2024, and the plan is expected to be finalized in mid-2026.
Process
The planning process includes the following steps:
- Inventory and document existing facilities and aviation activity levels to establish baseline conditions
- Forecast St. Paul Downtown Airport aviation activity levels out to the planning horizon of 2040
- Determine the gap between the baseline condition and future conditions based on forecasted activity levels (also known as a “gap analysis")
- Develop and evaluate alternative means to remedy facility issues identified through the planning process and meet future forecasted demand
- Determine a proposed development program, funding plan, and implementation strategy to present to the community and the MAC board
- Prepare an overview of environmental factors that should be taken into consideration when implementing the plan
Throughout the planning process, the MAC will seek input from the community on its findings and recommendations. The MAC is also working with a stakeholder advisory panel representing airport tenants, public partners, local community leaders and city planners, regional businesses, and tourism associations to ensure the plan works for everyone.