St. Cloud Sky Central Airport Updates Strategic Plan After Finishing 2023 Goals

(KNSI) — St. Cloud Sky Central Airport is updating its strategic goals after completing a series of projects from its 2023 Strategic Plan.

The Saint Cloud Regional Airport Authority says the new plan focuses on long-term sustainability, new revenue opportunities, customer experience, and expanding commercial air service. The stated goal is to become the safest and best airport of choice for the Northwest Metro and Central Minnesota.

The airport officially rebranded as St. Cloud Sky Central Airport on September 30th, 2025, to reflect its multi-county ownership. Paid parking began in 2022 and helps cover operating expenses. In 2024, the airport bought a new firefighting vehicle and built a ten-unit heated T-hangar. Public-private partnerships added two corporate hangars on the north side of the airfield, and the airport hosted the North Star Air Show in August.

The airport has also finalized a partnership with St. Cloud Technical & Community College to base the college’s Aircraft Maintenance Technician Program at the airport. Construction starts this November, with classes beginning in Fall 2027.

Reconstruction of the general aviation apron began this year and is scheduled for completion in Spring 2027. A new 20,000-gallon Jet-A fuel tank will be added next spring. Crews will also eliminate the displaced threshold on Runway 31, replace its Instrument Landing System, and upgrade the blast pads, runway shoulders, markings, and edge lighting. The airport says that work is the final step of a three-year project, most of which went to securing funding and coordinating with state and federal partners. About $19 million in state and federal funding was awarded to the airport over the past few years.

In the terminal, the airport has added a device charging station and a private nursing room and upgraded the Wi-Fi network. Two new restrooms will be built in the waiting area by Fall 2027. The terminal entrance road and parking lot will be redesigned in 2027, with construction in 2028.

“By modernizing our spaces and amenities, we ensure every traveler experiences an exceptional gateway to Central Minnesota,” says Airport Director Bill Towle.

The airport currently offers nonstop commercial flights to Mesa, Arizona, seasonal service to Punta Gorda, Florida, and seasonal charter flights to a resort in Nevada. Future plans include more frequencies on those routes, new less-than-daily options, and exploring opportunities with the Army Aviation Support Facility.

The plan also calls for the airport to become financially independent from the City of St. Cloud before current municipal support expires.

“This framework balances regional expansion with a rigorous fiscal path forward, establishing a resilient foundation for our long-term future,” says Airport Authority Board Chair Brian Myres.

The city transferred ownership of the airport to the Saint Cloud Regional Airport Authority on December 31st, 2021. The Authority is a joint entity of Benton, Sherburne and Stearns counties and the City of St. Cloud. A 2019 Minnesota Department of Transportation study found the airport contributes $49.2 million a year to the state and local economy and supports 395 jobs.

More information is available by clicking here.

___