WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — The Port of Bellingham has announced dates for a 30-day full runway closure at Bellingham International Airport (KBLI) in 2027.
The runway will be completely closed to aircraft from July 20 through August 19, 2027.
The Port Commission approved the 30-day duration in February 2026. The specific dates were only recently published on the Port’s official website following the conclusion of the project’s bidding phase on March 31, 2026. This announcement allows the Port to begin formal coordination with commercial carriers including Alaska Airlines and Allegiant Air.
The closure is due to a $25 million infrastructure overhaul largely funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program.
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The 30-day shutdown enables completing several major projects simultaneously, including the following.
- Full milling and repaving of the main runway.
- Installation of paved “blast pads” at both ends of the runway.
- Reconstruction of three primary taxiways.
- Replacement of airfield lighting with energy-efficient LED systems.
Airport users planning travel for the summer of 2027 should take note of the following:
- No Commercial Flights: There will be no commercial or general aviation takeoffs or landings at KBLI during the 30-day period. Airlines are expected to block these dates from their booking systems shortly.
- Alternate Hubs: Travelers are encouraged to utilize Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA), Vancouver International (YVR), or Paine Field (PAE) in Everett as alternatives during the month-long closure.
- Limited Operations: The airport terminal will remain open for administrative and ground business. Helicopter operations—including critical emergency medical transports—will not be affected by the runway work.
According to Port of Bellingham memoranda, the 30-day suspension is expected to result in an estimated $385,000 revenue loss for the airport. However, officials emphasize that the long-term reliability of the runway is essential for the region’s economic health and air connectivity.
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I would like to know what the airport Board is doing about trying to increase traffic so more people use the airport more, which in turn will bring more air traffic and of course additional revenue.
Thank you for reading my comment.