KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Kissimmee Gateway Airport is set for major safety and capacity improvements after receiving $21 million in federal funding from the Federal Aviation Administration for upgrades to Taxiway A.
U.S. Rep. Darren Soto announced the funding, saying the project will help the airport operate more safely and efficiently as the city continues to grow.
“Today we announce another $21 million in new federal funding for Kissimmee Gateway Airport,” Soto said. “This grant includes major runway improvements, shifting Taxiway A to improve safer and more efficient operations.”
The project includes expanding Taxiway A, shifting it 50 feet to the east and adding new lighting. The upgrades are designed to bring the taxiway up to FAA standards.
Kissimmee Gateway Airport currently handles about 138,000 takeoffs and landings each year, according to airport officials.
The improvements are expected to support continued demand as Kissimmee’s population grows.
The taxiway work is not the only major project planned at the airport. Officials are also moving forward with construction of a new air traffic control tower, supported by about $12 million in additional federal funding.
Airport Director Shaun Germolus said the new tower will be a significant upgrade over the current structure.
“It’ll be 110 feet tall in the air versus the 80-foot structure we have here,” Germolus said.
Construction on both the tower and the taxiway is expected to begin in early January 2027. The tower is expected to take about 12 months to complete, putting its opening around early 2028.
The taxiway work will be completed in two phases so the airport can remain open and operational during construction.
