Taxi Lane Extension Marks Latest Milestone in $7.4 Million Goshen Municipal Airport Improvements
GOSHEN, Ind. — Goshen Municipal Airport improvements reached another milestone Friday, Aug. 14, 2026 as the new Taxi Lane “C” extension passed its final inspection, clearing the way for full use of the new infrastructure.
Inidiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) aeronautical officials joined representatives from Woolpert and contractor Milestone, along with airport and City staff, for the Aug. 14, 2026, inspection. The extension provides another route to the main terminal ramp from the east and creates opportunities for future corporate development and long-term land leases.
The taxilane is the latest piece of a two-year, $7.4 million infrastructure investment designed to strengthen one of Indiana’s busiest general aviation airports. The work includes the recent reconstruction of the airport’s primary runway, taxiway improvements and an apron expansion scheduled to begin in April 2027.
“Goshen has experienced incredible growth,” Airport Manager Randy Sharkey said. “We want to make sure our airport is prepared to grow alongside our community.”
Goshen Municipal Airport improvements support continued growth
State and federal grants support much of that investment, which is already visible across the airport.
Runway 09-27 reopened in May following its first major reconstruction since 1990. The $4.3 million FAA-funded project included milling more than 70,000 square yards of pavement and installing nearly 15,000 tons of new asphalt.
The airport also received a $799,920 FAA grant for the Taxi Lane “C” extension, which began construction in May.
With the runway reconstruction and Taxi Lane “C” extension complete, attention now turns to the remaining work. A portion of Taxiway A is scheduled for resurfacing, followed by the apron expansion beginning in April 2027.
The apron expansion will add aircraft parking and operational space, helping the airport accommodate continued demand and future growth.
Airport investment builds on significant economic impact
The improvements build on the airport’s substantial economic and community impact. Goshen Municipal Airport ranks as the seventh busiest airport in Indiana and averages more than 31,000 operations annually.
According to INDOT’s 2022 State Aviation Economic Impact Study, the airport generates nearly $26 million in annual economic activity, supports 160 jobs and accounts for more than $8 million in labor income. Its activity also generates an estimated $3.26 million in federal, state and local tax revenue.
The airport’s impact extends beyond the numbers. It supports corporate aviation, charter service, flight training and aircraft maintenance. More than 100 pilots earned licenses through New Horizons Aviation in 2025, while Friendship Flights has used the airport for humanitarian relief missions. Airport events also draw thousands of visitors to Goshen.
“We’ve accomplished a tremendous amount over the past year and a half, and these upcoming projects will allow us to continue building on that momentum,” Sharkey said. “I’m excited about what the future holds for Goshen Municipal Airport and look forward to pushing that growth for years to come.”