NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) — Newport News Williamsburg Airport may need to transition away from offering commercial passenger service and instead look at becoming a leader in advanced aviation and research, according to aviation consultants.
Part of the Hampton Roads Air Study released Thursday is one of 10 that aims to help the region better harness its aviation assets to attract new business and promote economic vitality.
The report funded through a Go Virginia grant, paid special attention to Peninsula Airport Commission . Newport News Williamsburg Airport, also known as Patrick Henry Field (PHF), has been hemorrhaging money for several years as commercial air traffic there has continued to dwindle.
Taxpayers of Newport News and Hampton could soon be on the hook to keep the airport afloat, but the report concluded discontinuing commercial air service could lead to significant cost reductions.
So far, airport leadership continues to indicate it doesn’t want to fly down that path.