Reno-Stead Airport Master Plan
The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, which oversees the Reno-Stead Airport (RTS), is performing an update to the RTS Master Plan. The purpose of the airport master plan is to provide guidance for the next two decades of airport development.
About RTS
RTS, located 15 miles north of Reno, is a vital general aviation facility and an emerging hub for economic development in Northern Nevada. RTS supports a wide range of aviation activity, from general aviation and firefighting operations to serving as a designated FAA test site for unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
The airport’s Freedom Flight Terminal provides modern amenities for pilots, tenants and the community, and its recent infrastructure upgrades and partnerships highlight its role in advancing aviation innovation. With significant land available for industrial development, RTS is also positioned to drive regional job growth and investment. RTS is working on continuing to honor its aviation heritage while preparing for future growth through its newest master plan update.
The Airport Master Plan Process
An airport master plan is a comprehensive study that describes an airport’s short-, medium- and long-term plans. Over a 24-month process, the RTS Master Plan team will take the following steps to develop the plan:
Data collection and forecasting
Determine existing airport conditions and identify future facility needs
Develop alternatives
Consider several ways the airport’s layout could change to accommodate the future facility needs
Create a capital funding plan
Build a strategy for funding and implementing needed projects
Develop the final plan
Once approved, the RTS Master Plan and Airport Layout Plan will serve as the airport’s guiding documents for years
Project Updates
Master Plan Updates
Who Participates in an Airport Master Plan?
Kicking off in November 2025, the Reno-Stead Airport (RTS) Master Plan process will take approximately 24 months to complete. The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, owner and operator of RTS, has already established its project team,…
Oct 16, 2025
Master Plan Updates
What is an Airport Master Plan?
An airport master plan is a comprehensive study that describes an airport’s short-, medium- and long-term plans. It examines the history and current operations at the airport and helps the airport sponsor (in our…
Oct 16, 2025
