City of Kissimmee Secures $10 Million Grant for

New Air Traffic Control Tower

The City of Kissimmee has secured a $10 million Federal Aviation Administration grant to support the construction of a new air traffic control tower at Kissimmee Gateway Airport. The project follows years of planning, coordination, and advocacy, and will replace the airport’s aging control tower with a modern facility designed to improve operational efficiency, enhance safety, and provide upgraded working conditions and visibility for air traffic controllers serving the region.

The new control tower is expected to include updated technology, improved operational capabilities, and a modern design that reflects the airport’s growing role in Central Florida’s aviation sector. The project is part of the city’s broader commitment to investing in Kissimmee Gateway Airport as a center for business aviation, pilot training, tourism, and regional economic growth. Construction timelines and design updates will be shared as the project progresses.

Update: Taxiway Alpha Rehabilitation and Shift

The Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM) has completed the design of the Rehabilitation and Shift for Taxiway Alpha and will soon be accepting construction bids for the project. Taxiway “A” pavement and lighting systems have met their useful life and are scheduled to be rehabilitated in 2027 (Phase I) and 2028 (Phase II). The project will include pavement, lighting, signs, and drainage improvements. The existing Compass Rose will be relocated south of Sunstate Aviation. The illustration shows the removal of existing pavement (blue) and the new pavement (tan). 

The full length of the pavement will be shifted 50 feet to the east. This shift is due to the larger aircraft ISM has served in recent years. The FAA recognizes the increased activity of larger aircraft, and design standards require proper runway-to-taxiway safety clearances. For example, when an aircraft lands and clears Runway 15/33, the nose of the aircraft requires sufficient clearance from a passing aircraft on Taxiway A.

The estimated construction cost for the project is approximately $31M. Federal and State grant funding will be requested upon receiving the bids. Bids are scheduled to be opened June 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. For bid details or more information, please contact Sue Finney at AVCON, Inc. at: sfinney@avconinc.com.

Update: Taxiway Delta Repavement and

Intersecting Taxiway Removal

A major pavement rehabilitation project for Taxiway D, which began in March 2025, was recently completed at ISM. The project focused on replacing deteriorating pavement and removing an intersecting taxiway that provided direct access from the parking ramps to the main runway. Taxiway D previously had a Pavement Condition Index rating of 45, classifying it as poor and approaching the limits of structural integrity required for the airport’s largest operating aircraft.

As part of the FAA’s Runway Incursion Mitigation Program, the intersecting taxiway was removed to reduce the risk of aircraft or vehicle incursions. A new intersecting taxiway was constructed north of the original location, providing safer access to both the east and west airfield ramps. The project also included new LED lighting and signage to enhance visibility and reduce energy and maintenance costs.

Design and engineering was completed by AVCON, Inc., and construction was executed by Ranger Construction.

Junior Aviators Club Gets Behind the Scenes Look

at Kissimmee Gateway Airport

Young aviation enthusiasts from the Junior Aviators Club at Renaissance Charter School at Tapestry enjoyed a memorable visit to Kissimmee Gateway Airport this month, where they met flight instructor Chris Reyes from Sunstate Academy of Aviation. Accompanied by their club instructor, Ms. Rose, the students toured the facility, learned about the path to becoming a pilot, and explored the cockpits of a Cessna 172 and a Diamond DA42 Twin Star.

The tour concluded with a bird’s-eye view of the airfield from the air traffic control tower, where the students observed real-time communication between controllers and pilots and watched aircraft take off and land on the runway. These future aviators are already getting an exciting look at where their passion for aviation can take them.

Coming Soon: New Executive Hangar Suites

by Sabal Aviation

Sabal Aviation is developing 11 executive box hangar suites at Kissimmee Gateway Airport, introducing a new standard of private hangar ownership at ISM.

The hangar suites will be individually owned and part of a commercial condominium association. Suites range in size from 50 by 50 feet to 60 by 60 feet and are designed to accommodate a wide range of aircraft. Each suite comes standard with 16- to 18-foot door clearance, electric bifold doors and rough-plumbing for a private bathroom. Customized configurations also are available to align with owners’ operational needs and vision.

Availability is limited. Contact Sabal Aviation to discuss specifications, customization options and hangar availability by calling 321-757-3500 or emailing zachary@sabalaviation.com.

Celebrating National Aviation Mechanics Day

On May 24, we celebrated the skilled professionals who keep aviation running safely and smoothly for National Aviation Maintenance Technician Day.

To the incredible behind-the-scenes teams at Kissimmee Gateway Airport, thank you. A special shoutout to our tenants Spectrum Aero, Integrity Aero and Bilmar for the important work they do every day to keep aircraft maintained and mission ready.

Be Prepared: Hurricane Season Starts June 1

As the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through Nov. 30, the City of Kissimmee is encouraging residents, businesses and visitors to prepare for severe weather and stay informed throughout the season.

Hurricane season can bring heavy rainfall, flooding, strong winds, power outages, and hazardous conditions across Central Florida, including Kissimmee.

The city works year-round with Osceola County Emergency Management, regional partners, utility providers, and community organizations to coordinate preparedness and response efforts before, during, and after severe weather events.

City departments continue seasonal preparedness activities, including reviewing emergency procedures, coordinating resources, and maintaining communication with partner agencies. The city also has enhanced its emergency response capabilities through tools such as drone technology for damage assessment and situational awareness, as well as high-water rescue vehicles designed to support flood response operations.

As part of these efforts, the city encourages residents to take the following steps:

• Build or update emergency supply kits, including food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, portable chargers, weather radios, and other essential items.
• Prepare homes by cleaning up yard debris, cleaning gutters, trimming trees with dead limbs, and securing yard furniture or outside items that could be blown around by strong winds.
• Review family, workplace, and communication plans.
• Review insurance coverage and protect important documents.
• Sign up for emergency alerts and monitor official sources.

Residents can sign up for Osceola County Emergency Management alerts by texting AlertOsceola to 888777. City of Kissimmee emergency alerts are available at Kissimmee.gov/alertkissimmee.

The city also encourages the public to take advantage of the hurricane supply sales tax exemption to purchase eligible emergency items. Additional preparedness resources are available at Floridarevenue.com/taxes/tips.

Bring Your Business to Kissimmee Gateway,

Central Florida's Airport of Choice

With more than 180 acres available for development, a new aerospace park and innovative incentive packages, Kissimmee Gateway Airport is Central Florida’s airport of choice and an ideal location for business. For more information, contact the city of Kissimmee Economic Development Office at 407-518-2307.

This newsletter is a publication of Kissimmee Gateway Airport. For more information about this publication,

email newsletter@flykissimmee.com or call 407-847-4600.



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