ST. MARY’S COUNTY, MD. (Mar. 26, 2026) — St. Mary’s County officials and state leaders are celebrating the completion of a multi-year expansion project at St. Mary’s County Regional Airport, a key infrastructure investment designed to enhance the region’s aerospace and defense capabilities while strengthening economic development opportunities.
The project added nearly 1,100 feet to the airport’s runway, enabling the facility to accommodate larger aircraft, including defense platforms, medical evacuation flights, corporate jets and other advanced aviation operations. The runway extension was supported through coordinated federal, state and local funding, underscoring the airport’s strategic importance to Maryland’s aviation network.
Additional improvements completed as part of the project include terminal interior upgrades, enhanced exterior safety features and new outdoor amenities. The Maryland Department of Commerce contributed $500,000 to support the development of public gathering spaces surrounding the terminal, helping to enhance the airport’s role as a community and economic asset.
St. Mary’s County Regional Airport serves as a central anchor within the region’s AeroPark Innovation District, which includes the University of Maryland UAS Research and Operations Center and the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland. Together, these assets are helping to position the region as a national hub for autonomous systems research, advanced aerospace technologies and workforce development.
Governor Wes Moore noted that the runway extension represents a broader investment in innovation and long-term economic competitiveness. He emphasized that infrastructure improvements of this scale are essential to attracting high-growth industries, advancing research and providing students with hands-on training opportunities that lead to in-demand careers.
According to a recent analysis by the Maryland Aviation Administration, St. Mary’s County Regional Airport supported approximately 800 direct, indirect and induced jobs in 2024. The airport also generated more than $108 million in business revenue through aviation-related operations and supply-chain activity. Across the state, Maryland’s network of nearly three dozen public-use airports collectively contributes an estimated $1.4 billion in annual economic activity.
With the completion of the runway extension and associated upgrades, local and state leaders say the airport is well positioned to support continued growth in aerospace innovation, defense operations and regional connectivity.
