FAQ's

What kind of expansion to the airport will take place, and where?

We forecast traffic by types of aircraft, and those projections are used to identify what type of facilities the airport will need. Over the next 20 years, we anticipate a need for a larger terminal and parking facilities, modifications to the internal airport road network, and additional support facilities for general aviation. The next phase of the Master Plan process will present ideas on where these facilities may be located.

Will the airport need additional property within the next 20 years to satisfy its future demand?

No additional property will be needed.

How will the runways be used for general and commercial aviation?

The types of aircraft using each runway airport will remain the same. The longer runway will continue to serve jet and turbo prop aircraft and the shorter runway will continue to serve turbo prop aircraft only.

What will happen to the flight schools at the airport?

The flight schools are owned and operated by private entities. The Master Plan will not affect the flight schools.  

What will happen to Runway 11-29?

The FAA recently decommissioned this runway. As part of the master planning process, we will identify future uses for this part of the airport.

Will there be noise studies on the impacts to surrounding residential neighborhoods? How will noise impacts be evaluated with the projected changes?

Yes, noise studies are currently underway. We’ll present some of our findings at the next public briefing.

Will environmental scoping be needed for this plan?

Environmental Impact Statements are typically used for construction projects and are not required for the Master Plan. Certain improvements identified in the Airport Master Plan will be the subject of subsequent environmental review as they’re developed.

Are residents and neighboring communities like Lynnwood and Mukilteo represented on the Stakeholder Committee for the Master Plan process?

There are three committees that are developing the Master Plan: The Steering Committee, the Stakeholder Advisory Committee, and the Technical Committee. The Stakeholder Committee includes many representatives across Snohomish County. The list of members is found here and you can read more about the committees helping to guide this Master Plan here Version Options FAQ's Headline.

Are there plans to complete 100th Street SW in conjunction with the Everett Transportation Master Plan?

The team has identified that the intersection of Airport Road and 100th Street SW will need to be modified to accommodate increased demand. Depending on the pace of traffic growth, it is likely that these modifications may not be needed for another 15+ years.

How much will projects in the Master Plan cost?

We will be in a better position to provide cost estimates once we have outlined what projects may be proposed in the fall of 2022.

How will the improvements be funded?

Funding for improvements at the airport will depend on the nature of the project. The Master Plan will identify the funding sources available for each project and make recommendations. For airfield safety and capacity improvements, the Federal Aviation Administration provides the majority of funding. The County, airport operator or developers might fund other improvements.

Will only smaller passenger aircraft be allowed, or will larger planes also be allowed at the airport?

PAE is a public airport, and it does not decide on the types of aircraft that use the airport. We assume that the types of aircraft currently operating at the airport will not change.

Are flight paths projected to change?

Flight paths are controlled by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), we do not anticipate that they will change.

Is there any consideration of international travel capability?

This would be a policy decision for the County, but it is not something currently being considered in this plan.