Airports across the United States are not just modernizing terminals — they’re also undergoing runway extension projects to handle bigger aircraft, new international routes, and growing cargo operations. These massive runway projects are critical for airports that want to stay competitive in the global aviation market, reduce delays, and safely accommodate larger planes on longer flights.
Here’s a look at some of the largest runway extension projects underway at major U.S. airports right now.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Chicago O’Hare continues its multi-billion-dollar airfield transformation under the O’Hare Modernization Program. One of the biggest elements is the extension of Runway 9R/27L by about 3,000 feet. The longer runway will handle larger wide-body jets, reduce delays during bad weather, and increase capacity at one of the world’s busiest airports. This project is part of O’Hare’s broader goal to add more international long-haul connections and maintain its position as a major hub. In American Airlines recently increased the number of destinations fyling out of its Chicago hub an indication that the strategy is working.
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Denver International is already home to one of the longest commercial runways in North America — Runway 16R/34L, which is 16,000 feet long. Now, the airport is studying plans for a new seventh runway by 2035 and an eighth runway by 2045. The focus is on boosting capacity for larger aircraft and expanded cargo operations as Denver cements its role as a major connecting hub for both transcontinental and transpacific routes. Planning and design work are underway as part of the airport’s Vision 100 master plan.
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Miami is one of the nation’s busiest international gateways, especially for long-haul flights to Latin America and Europe. To better handle heavy wide-body jets, MIA is advancing plans to extend Runway 9/27 and upgrade its taxiways, drainage, and lighting systems as part of its runway extension projects. A longer runway means more flexibility for fully loaded aircraft in South Florida’s often challenging weather conditions and ensures Miami can continue to grow as a cargo hub and a leading U.S. entry point for global travelers.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
DFW recently completed a major $260 million rehabilitation of Runway 17R/35L last year. It is 13,400 feet long and now ranks as its longest runway. The airport has future plans for additional runway improvements. Although this recent project focused more on reconstruction than a physical extension, it effectively updated the entire runway surface, extended its lifespan, and upgraded safety areas, deicing equipment, and taxiway connections to handle today’s largest jets under all conditions. The project is part of the airports US$9billion DFW Forward project.
Portland International Airport (PDX)
Portland is also extending its north runway as part of a larger airfield improvement project tied to its terminal expansion. The extension will allow PDX to continue accommodating larger aircraft during peak operations and poor weather while one of its other runways undergoes needed maintenance in the coming years. The upgrade also includes modern drainage, improved lighting, and new taxiway connections.
Tucson International Airport (TUS)
Tucson completed one of the Southwest’s largest regional runway extension projects when it shifted and lengthened Runway 11R/29L by about 2,400 feet. The project increased the runway’s total length to over 11,000 feet, allowing Tucson to handle larger aircraft and meet updated FAA design standards for runway safety areas. For a regional airport, this is a big step that could attract new carriers and bigger planes in the future.
Why These Extensions Matter
Extending a runway is no small feat. Projects can cost hundreds of millions of dollars and take years to complete. But they’re essential for airports competing for new routes, especially long-haul international and high-capacity cargo flights. Longer runways give pilots more room for safe takeoffs and landings in all weather and help airports reduce delays caused by weight restrictions or short runways.
In many cases, these extensions are also paired with upgraded taxiways, new lighting systems, and modern drainage to meet the latest FAA safety and environmental standards. The push for longer, more capable runways is a sign of how U.S. airports are preparing for the next generation of aircraft — and for a future of growing global travel and trade.
The Big Picture
From Chicago to Miami, Denver to Portland, runway extension projects are reshaping how U.S. airports connect with the world. As these massive projects finish over the next few years, they’ll open the door for more flights, bigger planes, and more direct connections for travelers and cargo alike — keeping America’s airports at the forefront of global aviation.
