After a closure of just 50 days, the Marathon International Airport is ready to welcome visitors from the skies once again.
State and local officials gathered on the morning of Oct. 6 to mark the completion of a $30 million, 40-foot runway relocation project, which began in May. The move brings the airfield into compliance with FAA standards and allows for planes to simultaneously use the airport’s runway and taxiway without interference.
A morning ceremony welcomed guests to a revamped hangar at fixed base operator Million Air, where county airports director Richard Strickland, Million Air CEO Roger Woolsey and county commissioner David Rice acknowledged the supporters and contractors whose work made the quick move possible. Woolsey spoke of the value of private air travel as an economic driver for the Keys and state.
Later the same evening, Million Air welcomed an even larger contingent from the Marathon business community to an open house in its refreshed and repainted hangar. Live music and refreshments surrounded a patriotic display of the American flag and a 1941 Vultee BT-13A Warbird from the Florida Keys Flight Academy’s Sol Bradman.
County airports director Richard Strickland commends the work of the Marathon Airport staff. 
A new-look hangar at Million Air welcomes guests to the runway opening. 
Million Air CEO Roger Woolsey describes the economic value of private air travel. 
Photos by Alex Rickert and contributed images. 
A sunset glow is the backdrop for an evening open house at Million Air. 
Photos by Alex Rickert and contributed images.
