Duplin County Airport continues rapid expansion into 2026

KENANSVILLE — The Duplin County Airport is continuing an unprecedented pace of growth and development heading into 2026, with several projects launched in 2025 expected to be completed and new initiatives set to begin.

Airport Director Joshua Raynor said construction on a new fuel farm is expected to begin in March. The project will replace the existing fuel farm with new tanks and an improved enclosure wall. Grant funding secured in 2025 allowed the airport to finalize project details and order the tanks.

By June, a new spec hangar is expected to be completed. The hangar will expand the airport’s capacity to accommodate business aircraft and attract new commercial users.

“We are hoping the new hangar will attract a new business,” Raynor said.

Additional projects are in the planning phase, including an apron rehabilitation design that will extend into 2026. Raynor said the design work will provide cost estimates, define the scope of work and include a lifecycle cost comparison between concrete and asphalt pavement.

The airport is also constructing a new maintenance facility with assistance from the Duplin County Economic Development Commission.

Raynor said the projects are intended to support long-term expansion and improve services for businesses that rely on the airport.

Despite the growth, the airport still has vacant positions it hopes to fill. Job openings are posted on the Duplin County website.

Raynor emphasized the airport’s broader economic role in the county.

“We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to better serve the county and make it more attractive to potential businesses,” he said. “Duplin County Airport plays an important role in supporting local economic growth by providing essential access for businesses, agriculture and industry.”