Nebraska Airport Undergoes Major Runway Rehab

The Lincoln (Nebraska) Airport Authority has kicked off a $100 million reconstruction project on primary Runway 18/36 at Lincoln Airport (KLNK), which—at more than 12,000 feet—is the longest runway in the state.

Originally constructed in the mid-1950s to support the operation of six-engine Boeing B-47 Stratojet bombers at the former Lincoln Air Force Base, the runway’s length allows KLNK to accommodate a wide range of aircraft, including some of the largest military and civilian aircraft operating today.

“At 12,901 feet long, Runway 18/36 is one of the longest runways in the country and one of Nebraska’s most important pieces of transportation infrastructure,” said Rachel Barth, the authority’s director of marketing and air service development. “This investment preserves a nationally significant asset that supports economic development, military readiness, commercial aviation, and emergency response capabilities.”

A collaboration between the Lincoln Airport Authority, Nebraska Air National Guard, FAA, Nebraska Department of Transportation, and numerous community stakeholders, the project is funded through a partnership of federal, state, and local resources. It is slated for completion by the end of 2027.