Airport History

Project History

Dating back to its dedication in October 1929, the Lawrence Municipal Airport (LWC) is one of the oldest, continuously operating airports in Kansas, and serves Northeast Kansas as a general aviation facility for the business and recreational user. LWC averages more than 120 daily flight operations of single-engine, twin-engine and business jets, including more than 1,000 helicopter operations annually.

With a 5,700 feet runway and CAT I Instrument Landing System, LWC is an outstanding all-weather airport for the recreational or business flyer. Lawrence has experienced steady growth the past decade with increased usage at the Airport from business aircraft, including jet operations, and recreational pilots, including flight instruction.

The University of Kansas is also a major draw for airport traffic when hosting sporting events, or through its School of Aerospace Engineering work on the airfield. The school’s “Kansas Flight Test Center” is a nationally recognized R&D facility for UAVs, airframe and propulsion systems research. LWC also draws visiting aircraft traffic from patrons of the Kansas Speedway, 20 minutes east of the airport, when it hosts NASCAR and other major motor racing events. Upon completion of City investment for water and sewer lines in 2010, the Airport will experience significant growth in operations, based-aircraft and aviation-related business development due to new companies locating at the Airport.

Airport Manager

Charles F. Soules, Director of Public Works
6 East 6th
Lawrence, KS 66044
(785) 832-3124

Projects Performed by Airport Development Group, Inc.

• 2009: RPZ Land Acquisition for Runway 1-19.
• 2007: Runway 15-33 Safety Area Improvements.
• 2005: Taxiway D Construction for Runway 1-19.
• 2004: Airfield Lighting and Visual Aids Updates.
• 2004: Rehabilitate (Whitetop) Runway 1-19, Construct Connector Taxiway and Run Up Area. Project Earned KS/MO Concrete Paving Association Project Award.
• 2002: Extend Runway 15-33 (298 Feet North and 400 Feet South), Extend Parallel Taxiway, Construct New Airfield Lighting Vault and Controls, Relocate MALSR, ASOS, and Glide Slope Systems, Construct New PAPI System per FAA.
• 2001: Environmental Assessment, Land Acquisition Runway 15-35 Extension North & South.
• 2001: Rehabilitate Runway 15-33, Partial Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of Taxiway A, Rehabilitate and Expand Aircraft Parking Apron, Install Apron Floodlighting.
• 2000: Airport Layout Plan Update; Environmental Assessment for Runway 15-35 Extension South (300 feet).
• 1997: Seal Coat, and Crack Repair on Apron.
• 1994: Construct Fuel Farm.
• 1992: Safety Area Grading and Drainage, Construct Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Medium Intensity Approach Light System (MALSR).
• 1990: Acquire Land for Expansion and Instrument Landing System; Airport Master Plan.