Airport Board reviews safety training, growth plans in Bowling Green
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — The Bowling Green-Warren County Regional Airport Board met this week to review ongoing operations, safety initiatives, and future development plans aimed at supporting continued growth at the airport.
During the meeting, Airport Manager Susan Harmon updated board members on a wide range of topics, including the airport’s annual FAA inspection, budget planning for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, and progress on tenant and pilot relations. Additional updates included an annual emergency plan review, a recent Women’s Leadership Conference, and upcoming community engagement efforts like an aviation summer camp.
A major focus of the meeting was the airport’s annual Part 139 fire training, a federally required exercise designed to prepare emergency crews for aircraft incidents. Harmon said this year’s training involved a full-scale simulation using a grounded aircraft, where first responders practiced rescuing passengers and extinguishing a fire.
The exercise brought together multiple local agencies, including firefighters, emergency management personnel, law enforcement, and air evacuation teams. Officials say the collaborative effort helps ensure a coordinated response in the event of a real emergency.
Harmon noted that training scenarios are adjusted each year to reflect the airport’s evolving operations and increasing activity levels.
Board members also discussed a local feasibility study that includes the airport as part of broader economic development planning in Bowling Green and Warren County. Consultants have already met with airport leadership, and officials are awaiting recommendations on how the airport can further contribute to regional growth.
Other items addressed during the meeting included ratifying a lease agreement through an email vote, updates on a single audit, participation in Crime Stoppers initiatives, and continued coordination with aviation partners such as Flywell Aviation.
Airport leaders say the combination of safety preparedness, infrastructure planning, and community outreach will be key as the facility continues to see growth in both corporate and general aviation traffic.
