BIG RAPIDS — Roben-Hood Airport in Big Rapids has reopened its primary runway after a significant expansion project, enhancing its capacity for aviation and economic activity.
The runway has been extended from 4,300 feet to 5,000 feet and renumbered from 9/27 to 10/28, making it fully operational and capable of accommodating midsize corporate jets and turboprop aircraft.
This upgrade is not merely a resurfacing or minor repair but a transformative enhancement that allows Roben-Hood Airport to accommodate larger aircraft such as Citation jets, Hawkers, and Embraer’s, alongside the typical Cessna and single-propeller planes.
Additional efforts to protect the runway from deer have also been put in place, according to airport Manager Kendra Herrema.
“The other huge upgrade that has happene