Winchester Regional Airport’s Historic Growth Translates into $80 Million in Annual Economic Impact for Virginia

Winchester Regional Airport’s Historic Growth Translates into $80 Million in Annual Economic Impact for Virginia
 
WINCHESTER, VA – February 4, 2026 – A newly released economic impact study from the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) reveals that the Winchester Regional Airport (OKV) has experienced historic growth in recent years.  When compared to 2017 baseline ?gures, the airport has nearly tripled its total economic contribution to the Commonwealth. The study was conducted in partnership with Kimley-Horn and highlights the airport’s role in job creation and local prosperity through an assessment of its direct, indirect, and induced impacts.
 
The 2024 data shows a staggering $80.6 million in total economic output, representing a 285% increase over the $20.9 million ?gure reported in 2017. Growth was re?ected across every key indicator in the study, demonstrating consistency across all facets of business operations and affirming OKV’s role as a major economic engine.
The airport now supports 610 jobs, providing over $28.5 million in wages to the local workforce. Furthermore, OKV contributed $46.9 million to the Gross State Product (GSP), representing the direct value added to the Virginia economy. These metrics place it among the top 5 of General Aviation airports in the Commonwealth.
 
“As an authority that represents 5 jurisdictions, our success is truly the region’s success,” says Winchester Regional Airport Authority Chairman Bill Pifer. “We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the infrastructure, services, and workforce are in place to meet the needs of an exciting future for aviation in the Shenandoah Valley,” he said.

For more information about the 2025 Economic Impact Study, please visit: https://airporteconimpactva.com/deliverables/
 
For more information about the Winchester Regional Airport, please visit www.?yokv.com