Category: News

NOTICE OF FAA APPROVAL OF A FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT (FONSI) FOR THE

Duluth International Airport

Construction of an Airport-owned Air Traffic Control Tower and Enabling Projects

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced an approved Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the February 2024 Environmental Assessment (EA) prepared for the construction of an airport-owned air traffic control tower (ATCT) and enabling projects (the Action) at the Duluth International Airport, Duluth, Minnesota.

The FONSI indicates that the project is consistent with existing environmental policies and objectives as set forth in the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and will not significantly affect the quality of the environment. The EA provides information on the action and discussed the potential economic, social, environmental impacts, and mitigation measures, as appropriate, of the construction of an airport-owned ATCT and enabling projects. It was prepared pursuant to the requirements of Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), and in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, FAA Order 5050.4B, NEPA Implementing Instructions for Airport Actions.

The purpose of the Action is to construct a new, airport-owned, ATCT that meets FAA’s minimum siting requirements. The need for the project is due to the existing ATCT being over 70 years old and past its useful life. The replacement ATCT will enable the installation of modern and required air traffic control equipment, provide an adequate and an enhanced work environment, lower operating costs, and improve environmental performance.

The FONSI is available for download here [PDF].

The FONSI is attached to the EA. Notice of the FAA’s FONSI for the February 2024 EA, published on March 6, 2024, will only be available for a 30-day period through April 5, 2024, at the following locations:

• Duluth Airport Authority administration offices, 4701 Grinden Drive, Duluth
• Duluth City Hall, 411 West 1^st Street, Duluth
• Hermantown City Hall, 5105 Maple Grove Road, Hermantown
• Duluth Public Library, 520 West Superior Street, Duluth
• MNDOT District 1, 1123 Mesaba Avenue, Duluth

For further information, contact:

Ms. Melissa Jenny
Federal Aviation Administration
Dakota Minnesota Airports District Office
6020 28th Ave. S Ste. 101 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55450-2704
Melissa.M.Jenny@faa.gov

Duluth, MN — The Duluth Airport Authority (DAA) has been awarded a $10M grant under the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Terminal Program (ATP). This is the 5^th largest funding amount granted for an air traffic control tower project in the country, this cycle.  The grant will be put toward the replacement of the nearly 70-year-old Air Traffic Control Tower located at Duluth International Airport (DLH).  The project’s total cost is estimated to be $66M. The total amount requested from this federal funding source was $52M.

“We appreciate the support from our Congressional Delegation and the work of the entire legislative team in securing this highly competitive funding. The grant is a great start, and we look forward to securing future grants to complete this project. Said Tom Werner, Executive Director of the Duluth Airport Authority.

The ATP grant program was created through the Infrastructure Improvement and Jobs Act which established a federal funding source for locally owned Air Traffic Control Towers (ATCT) that previously did not exist.

“I am thrilled that the Duluth International Airport has been awarded $10 million in funding to go towards the replacement of the air traffic control tower, funding I have been advocating for since 2019. An upgrade is desperately needed as the air traffic control tower was constructed in the 1950s and is the third oldest in the country. The Duluth International Airport is a key driver for our local economy, and these funds will go a long way in making it safer and more competitive for the 21^st century in addition to creating a suitable environment for the next generation of aircraft for the 148^th Fighter Wing. I am grateful to have worked with both Senator Klobuchar and Duluth Airport Authority Executive Tom Werner for this funding, and I will continue to work to secure full funding for this vital project in order to ensure a brighter and safer aviation future for the Northland”, said Representative  Stauber

Air Commerce at DLH has grown exponentially since the tower was constructed. As it continues to grow, it is essential air traffic control services have a modern facility from which to operate.

“Duluth International Airport’s air traffic control tower is one of the oldest in the country and needs an upgrade, which is why I pushed for this funding. With this major federal grant, Duluth International Airport will be able to relocate the air traffic control tower, which will boost efficiency and safety”, said Senator Klobuchar

The DAA will be requesting $14M in matching funds from the State of Minnesota again this session.

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About Duluth International Airport

The new state-of-the-art passenger terminal at the Duluth International Airport opened for business on January 14, 2013. Currently, United Airlines offers three daily nonstop flight to Chicago and Delta offers three daily nonstop flights to Minneapolis/St. Paul. Effective February 2, Sun Country will be offering nonstop flights to Fort Myers, Florida. We are committed to providing our customers with superior services in a safe, secure and professional environment. Be sure to visit our Club DLH Business Suite, designed with the working traveler in mind. Visit duluthairport.com, follow us on Twitter @DuluthAirport, and like us on facebook.com/duluthairport.

Use the link below to view the DLH ATCT Siting Concurrence Letter

DLH ATCT Siting Concurrence Letter

2023 Rates and Charges Addendum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Duluth, MN) Sun Country Airlines has implemented changes to upcoming flights from Duluth to Fort Myers, Florida in 2023.

From January 6, 2023, through January 30, 2023, flights from the Duluth International Airport (DLH) to Fort Myers (RSW) will be temporarily paused. All impacted travelers have been accommodated via the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport (MSP) on the same travel dates, with new itineraries for the DLH-MSP segment, operated by Sun Country’s partner, Landline. Landline added additional frequencies between DLH and MSP to accommodate all passengers and provide the best possible schedule and service.

On February 3, 2023, DLH to RSW flights will resume. Southbound flights to Fort Myers will remain nonstop. Northbound passengers returning to Duluth can expect one-stop, same-plane service via Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) in Madison, Wisconsin.

“Sun Country has indicated the reason for the change in flights is due to soft bookings caused by the hurricane’s devastation in Fort Myers,” says Tom Werner, Executive Director of the Duluth Airport Authority. “It is important for our community to continue to support this route and book flights to Fort Myers this winter and spring so we can get direct flights to Fort Myers back in the fall of 2023.”

About Duluth International Airport 

The new state-of-the-art passenger terminal at the Duluth International Airport opened for business on January 14, 2013. Currently, United Airlines offers three daily nonstop flights to Chicago and Delta offers three daily nonstop flights to Minneapolis/St. Paul. We are committed to providing our customers with superior services in a safe, secure and professional environment. Be sure to visit our Club DLH Business Suite, designed with the working traveler in mind. Visit duluthairport.com, like us at facebook.com/duluthairport or follow us on Twitter @DuluthAirport.

Contact:
Tom Werner, Duluth Airport Authority
Executive Director
218.727.2968

For Immediate Release

(Duluth, MN) People can now book Sun Country direct flights from The Duluth International Airport to Phoenix, Arizona, or Fort Myers, Florida. Seats are filling up for the winter flights that begin in December.

View Press Release

Press Release – DLH to Host Precheck pop up event September

DLH PFC 11 Amendment Public Notice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Natalie Peterson, Duluth Airport Authority,
Director of Communications & Marketing
218-625-7768

(Duluth, MN)  The Duluth International Airport is pleased to announce its continued partnership with Sun Country. Seasonal flights will return later this year. 

Here are the complete details regarding Sun Country Airlines’ seasonal air service:

• Sun Country will offer seasonal air service direct from Duluth to Phoenix, Arizona and Fort Myers, Florida.
• Tickets for this seasonal air service are on-sale now.
• Flights begin on December 16, 2022 and continue through April 17th, 2023.
• Flights operate twice weekly, on Mondays and Fridays.
• Travelers can fly to additional Sun Country destinations by taking the Landline shuttle service to MSP.

This air service allows sun-seeking local travelers to fly south this winter and next spring. With competitive, low rates to this pair of warm-weather destinations full of incredible attractions and experiences, there are so many great reasons to start planning your winter getaway.

“We are just thrilled to continue our partnership with Sun Country,” says Natalie Peterson, Director of Communications & Marketing for the Duluth Airport Authority. “We’re very excited to bring this service back to our region.” 

About Duluth International Airport

The new state-of-the-art passenger terminal at the Duluth International Airport opened for business on January 14, 2013. Currently, United Airlines offers nonstop flights to Chicago and Delta offers nonstop flights to Minneapolis/St. Paul. Effective as of December 16, Sun Country will be offering nonstop flights to Fort Myers and Phoenix. We are committed to providing our customers with superior services in a safe, secure and professional environment incorporating mitigation strategies and best practices as recommended by the CDC. Be sure to visit our Club DLH Business Suite, designed with the working traveler in mind. Visit duluthairport.com, like us at facebook.com/duluthairport or follow us on Twitter @DuluthAirport.

Press Release – DULUTH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO OPERATE TRIENNIAL FULL-SCALE AIRPORT EMERGENCY EXERCISE