Bend Municipal Airport Completes New Control Tower
The $15 million facility in Bend marks the first air traffic control tower built in Oregon in a decade.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Air Travel
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Bend Municipal Airport recently finished the construction of a new air traffic control tower. The project received operational readiness approval from the Federal Aviation Administration in September 2026.
Why it matters
The tower increases safety for the airport's 140,000 annual takeoffs and landings. It also improves sequencing and communication to help pilots reduce fuel consumption by minimizing circling time.
The tower project represents a $15 million investment to support over 140,000 annual takeoffs and landings. This facility is the first of its kind built in Oregon in the last ten years.
The players
Bend Municipal Airport
This is the primary aviation hub serving the Bend area and the site of the new air traffic control tower.
Federal Aviation Administration
The national agency responsible for the regulation of civil aviation and oversight of air traffic control operations.
The details
Staff will monitor air traffic using computers, binoculars, radios, weather observation systems, and safety lighting. The tower uses Visual Flight Information to properly sequence all departing and arriving aircraft.
Timeline
Construction on the project began in 2024.
The Federal Aviation Administration approved operational readiness in September 2026.
Construction reached completion in October 2026.
The tower begins an operational soft opening on Nov. 16, 2026.
The facility will be fully staffed and operational in February 2027.
Travel Outlook
The activation of this tower occurs against the backdrop of a national shortage of approximately 3,000 certified air traffic controllers. This labor constraint impacts how regional airports manage staffing increases compared to past growth cycles.
Travelers using the airport can expect improved flight sequencing and safety as the new tower becomes operational. Pilots and passengers should monitor airport communications for any adjustments to ground procedures during the upcoming soft opening phase.
The takeaway
The addition of this tower represents a significant infrastructure milestone for Oregon aviation safety. Residents should note that the facility will reach its full capacity of five controllers and one manager early next year.
What happens next
The tower will begin an operational soft opening on Nov. 16, 2026, followed by a transition to full staffing and operations in February 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local aviation infrastructure developments on the Air Travel page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Bulletin.
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