Bangor International Airport Celebrates Completion of Runway Rehabilitation Project with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

December 23, 2025
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Bangor, Maine — Bangor International Airport hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, December 22, 2025 to mark the successful completion and full reopening of Runway 15-33, one of the most significant airfield rehabilitation projects in the airport’s history.

After two summer construction seasons, the runway reopened to full operational length (11,440 feet) on September 10. The project included complete pavement rehabilitation and associated airfield improvements, restoring the runway to meet current safety, operational, and performance standards.

The first aircraft to operate on the rehabilitated runway at full length was from Bangor’s 101st Air Refueling Wing, reflecting the runway’s critical role in supporting both civilian and military operations.

This more than $45 million infrastructure project was completed through close coordination among airport staff, contractors, regulatory agencies, and aviation partners. Bangor International Airport extends its appreciation to all employees, contractors, partners, and stakeholders whose collaboration ensured the project’s successful delivery.

“I [also] want to take a moment to thank the Airport staff members – They have worked tirelessly over the last few years, from planning to deign to construction itself to make this possible. Thank you!,” said BGR Director Jose Saavedra during his remarks at the event. “While the runway has officially been fully open for a few months, it was important to us to take the time to celebrate this multi-million dollar project with all of you – the key officials, partners, and stakeholders who ALSO made it happen.”

Project funding was provided through a combination of federal, state, military, and local investment:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): $27.4 million

Maine Air National Guard (MEANG): $16.4 million

Maine Department of Transportation (Maine DOT): $1.5 million

Bangor International Airport: $1.5 million

Runway 15-33 had reached the end of its useful life, making rehabilitation essential to the airport’s long-term operational reliability. The ribbon-cutting ceremony formally recognized the completion of this critical infrastructure investment and the partnerships that made it possible.

“As we wrap up today’s celebration, I want to note that this project is also just one piece of a broader effort underway at Bangor International Airport,” said Saavedra. “We are continuing to invest in infrastructure and improvements across the airfield and terminal to meet growing demand and ensure we’re prepared for the future. These efforts will position BGR to continue serving our community, our military partners, and the region with the reliability and pride they expect and deserve.”

A man in a coat and red tie stands at a black podium, speaking into several microphones with a LifeFlight of Maine critical care transport ambulance in the background.
A woman stands at a podium giving a speech, with a LifeFlight of Maine ground ambulance behind her and an audience seated in the foreground.
Five women smile together indoors in an industrial setting. They are dressed in casual winter layers, including a black puffer jacket, a lilac wool coat with a colorful scarf, a cream turtleneck, a grey puffer vest over a sweater, and a light grey overcoat.
A group of officials and military personnel stand in a hangar at Bangor International Airport. A man in a black vest and a woman in a green flight suit smile as they speak with a woman in a maroon coat, celebrating the reopening of the airport's $45 million renovated runway.
An airplane with "LifeFlight of Maine" written on its side is parked on a tarmac next to a white service truck with the logo "BGR Aviation 56."
An ambulance for LifeFlight of Maine is parked indoors with U.S. Senator Susan Collins and several others gathered in front of it. A man in a suit is speaking to Senator Collins, who is wearing a long burgundy coat. In the foreground, a person in a bright yellow high-visibility jacket stands with their back to the camera.
Two men stand at a podium in front of a white, green, and orange LifeFlight of Maine ground transport ambulance during a presentation. One man in a suit speaks into microphones while the other in a vest and khakis stands nearby.
Three men in professional attire stand smiling in a large airport hangar. The man on the left wears a black vest with a "Northern Light Health" logo, the man in the center wears a grey blazer and striped shirt, and the man on the right wears a navy blazer and a patterned red tie. In the background, airport lockers and a person in uniform are visible.
Six people stand in a line in front of a world map backdrop at Bangor International Airport. To the left, a man in a vest and a woman in a patterned dress stand next to a man in a blue suit and red tie. Beside them is a man in a blue button-down and a woman in a black patterned top. On the far right, a man in a dark blazer completes the group.
Six people stand on an airport runway behind a long blue ribbon. A man in a dark coat holds large scissors, preparing to cut the ribbon. The group includes individuals in business attire and high-visibility workwear. The background shows a flat airfield under a cloudy sky.
Senator Susan Collins and members of the LifeFlight of Maine Critical Care Transport Team stand in front of a specialized white and green ground ambulance inside an airport hangar. The group of fifteen people, including medical staff in flight suits and officials in professional attire, is posed for a celebratory photo.
An image of four people walking across a paved airfield next to a LifeFlight of Maine medical airplane. One man wears a red jacket and tan pants, while another wears a high-visibility yellow vest. A ground support vehicle labeled "BGR Aviation" is visible in the background.
A group of nine people, including U.S. Senator Susan Collins and Airport Director Jose Saavedra, pose for a photo at Bangor International Airport. They stand in front of a blue backdrop featuring a world map with "BGR" highlighted. The group is dressed in professional and business-casual attire, celebrating the completion of a major runway rehabilitation project.
Senator Susan Collins stands with members of the Maine Air National Guard in front of a LifeFlight of Maine critical care transport vehicle at Bangor Air National Guard Base.
An ambulance for LifeFlight of Maine, a specialized ground unit for critical care transport, is parked indoors. A man in a blue suit at a podium shakes hands with a woman in a red sweater and grey vest, while people seated in folding chairs watch and take photos.
Senator Susan Collins, a woman with short brown hair, wearing a burgundy wool peacoat over a red turtleneck, talks to a man in a navy blazer and red tie in a large industrial hangar. Two police officers and various equipment are visible in the blurred background.
A group of five people, including four military members in camouflage uniforms and one civilian, posing for a photo in a large airplane hangar. The military personnel wear OCP uniforms and cold-weather jackets, while the civilian in the center wears a black jacket and brown pants. A helicopter is partially visible in the background.