The attempt by Richmond International Airport (KRIC) in Virginia to take over its two FBOs has been postponed indefinitely after the overseeing Capital Region Airport Commission unanimously decided to halt its vote on the matter. Officials this week said they decided to delay the vote again so that they could have more time to study the proposal.
This move comes after a tumultuous process of nearly two years, one in which the airport issued and then canceled two requests-for-proposals for service providers.
Announcement of the plan met stiff opposition from the airport’s long-established service providers Richmond Jet Center and Million Air, as well as concerns from elected officials; industry trade groups such as AOPA, NATA, and NBAA; and even members of the Capital Region Airport Commission itself.
Among the factors cited were a lack of transparency in the deliberation process, the airport’s ability to manage the businesses that also provide airline fueling at the mixed-use KRIC, and—most importantly—the elimination of competing businesses on the field, which could drive prices up under an airport service monopoly.
While the leases on both FBOs are set to expire in 2026, industry experts that AIN spoke with believe the airport will eventually offer short-term lease renewals to the FBOs while it continues to ponder its path forward.