Image via BatesvilleArkansas.Gov
By Andrea Bruner, White River Now
In the last seven years, the Batesville Regional Airport has managed to triple its revenue from hangar rentals, thanks to a campaign to add hangars to the property.
Kirk Warden with the Batesville Airport Commission came before the Batesville City Council last week to share an update on the Batesville Regional Airport and its ongoing improvements.
Hangar Growth
Warden, who has served on the commission since March 2006, said the commission and airport staff have stayed focused on two priorities: expanding hangar space and improving airport infrastructure. “Our goal has been to keep Batesville Regional Airport competitive with surrounding airports for our local tenants and for businesses considering our region,” he said.
He said since 2014, the airport has added 22 hangars, including T-hangars and box hangars, and received more than $2.4 million from the Arkansas Division of Aeronautics to help build them.
Today, the airport owns 44 of the 68 hangars on the field, while the remaining 24 hangars are privately owned and sit on ground leases.
Hangar rent has skyrocketed in just six years, going from $50,055 in 2019 to $76,761 in 2020, then catapulting to $156,521 in 2025; that’s more than double the revenue in just five years’ time.
Ground leases have also soared, from $27,766 in 2019 to $29,482 in 2020 and $44,026 in 2025.
Infrastructure Projects
Warden said the FAA is centered on runway, taxiway, lighting and safety-related projects, so the airport plans these improvements through the FAA five-year Capital Improvement Program. Since 2019, the FAA has awarded the Batesville airport $2.2 million for runway sealing and taxiway lighting, and the state has contributed another $281,000 toward those projects and other improvements, including drainage work and repairs to Runway 18/36.
Warden said the next major project is the rehabilitation of Runway 08/26, the airport’s main runway. “That’s the longer, wider runway,” he said.
Warden estimated the resurfacing cost to be in the $4-6 million range.
He also said the FAA has also agreed to include the estimated cost of moving taxiway lights – approximately $618,000 – in the grant package.
“The airport,” said Mayor Rick Elumbaugh, “is an economic engine. It’s always good to know you have a commission with this commitment.”
Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaugh presents a plaque to Kirk Warden with the Batesville Regional Airport commemorating his 20 years of leadership and service to the airport. (Image: Andrea Bruner for White River Now)
The mayor and council presented Warden with a plaque honoring his 20 years of leadership and service to the airport. “And, we hope you’re up for another 20 years,” Elumbaugh said with a grin, but Warden responded, “If we can get this runway resurfaced, this may be my swan song.”
Alderman Robb Roberts commended the airport manager and commissioners for the work they’ve done.
Airport Roots
Today’s modern Batesville Regional Airport has humble beginnings that date back nearly 100 years.
In 1931, famed aviator Wiley Post (the first pilot to fly solo around the world) and American humorist Will Rogers (known for vaudeville stage performances and later, silent and sound movies) made a personal appearance in Batesville. Because there was no airport in the area, they landed at Ramsey Bottom.
Post and Rogers were on a statewide tour to raise money for the unemployed and farmers affected by the record drought of 1930, but because there was not a local airport the decision was made to spend the proceeds to build an airport.
The airport was dedicated in September 1931, but when the city received a federal grant in 1947 to overlay the runway – that is really the beginning of the airport we know today. A five-member airport commission was appointed in 1966 with Dr. Myrlas Matthews as chairman. Matthews helped push through an effort to construct the long runway (about 6,000 feet) in the early 1970s.
The terminal building at 1126 Batesville Blvd. was built with local money – without any federal or state funds. The money came from contributions from businesses and professionals.
Today, the airport commission and airport manager Justin Thompson, who came on board Jan. 1, 2026, work not only to maintain the airport but also to make improvements.
Warden summarized his report to the council by adding, “Batesville Regional Airport continues to grow, strengthen its revenue, and invest in the infrastructure needed to remain competitive and support our community. Thank you for your continued support of the airport.”
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