Westchester County Airport to Undergo Runway Upgrades, Impacting National Business Aviation Association’s White Plains Forum in 2026, New Update

Published on December 8, 2025

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) recently announced significant changes to its 2026 White Plains Regional Forum, originally set for June 3, 2026, due to impending runway upgrades at Westchester County Airport (HPN). These updates, slated to begin in the second quarter of 2026, are the result of federal plans approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and funded by a federal grant. As a result, the event, which has become a key fixture in the business aviation community, will be rescheduled in light of the construction work, which will impact access to the airport during the runway renovation.

The Federal Aviation Administration‘s (FAA) notification to Westchester County Airport representatives informed them of the upcoming construction, which is being managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The renovation work will require certain operational restrictions and infrastructure changes, making it impossible for the NBAA to hold its regional forum as initially planned.

Implications for the NBAA’s White Plains Forum

The NBAA’s White Plains Regional Forum has become a crucial event for the business aviation industry, offering unrivaled opportunities for professionals to network, collaborate and discover the latest aircraft models and aviation technologies. The event brings together hundreds of exhibitors, industry experts and thousands of attendees for a day of focused discussions on trending topics in aviation. It also includes an aircraft showcase, making it a go-to platform for industry leaders and companies to explore new opportunities and partnerships.

However, with the runway upgrades at Westchester County Airport now confirmed, NBAA executives made it clear that holding the forum in its originally scheduled location was no longer feasible. In response to this disruption, the NBAA will work closely with its partners to establish an updated plan for the event. They have assured attendees and exhibitors that revised details will be shared in the coming days.

NBAA President and CEO, Ed Bolen, addressed the change in plans, acknowledging the importance of Westchester County Airport as an essential economic asset for the region. He expressed understanding of the need for runway upgrades, which will enhance the long-term capacity and safety of the airport. Bolen emphasized that the NBAA is committed to ensuring that any adjustment to the White Plains Regional Forum will be handled efficiently and professionally.

Westchester’s Role in the Aviation Industry

Westchester County Airport (HPN) plays a vital role in the aviation industry, not only for New York but also for the broader Northeast region of the United States. Located just outside of New York City, the airport serves as a critical transportation hub for both commercial and general aviation traffic. With increasing demand for air travel, Westchester County Airport has been prioritizing necessary infrastructure upgrades to meet the growing needs of passengers and aviation stakeholders.

The runway upgrades are expected to improve the airport’s operational capacity and long-term sustainability. The project will enhance safety, reduce delays and improve overall traffic flow, which is essential for both passenger and business aviation services. For many operators, including those involved in business aviation, the airport is considered a crucial gateway for accessing the New York metropolitan area.

The NBAA’s Regional Forums

The NBAA’s regional forums have long been celebrated for their focus on providing a one-day, highly concentrated experience for business aviation professionals. These forums are designed to offer accessible networking opportunities, with attendees benefiting from face-to-face interaction with industry leaders, expert-led panel discussions and a comprehensive showcase of aircraft and aviation technologies.

The upcoming changes to the White Plains Regional Forum, while impactful, are not expected to diminish the event’s importance. The NBAA is committed to preserving the value of the forum for all participants and ensuring that it remains an important event for connecting and learning about developments in the aviation industry.

A Bright Future for Business Aviation

As the business aviation sector continues to grow, NBAA’s regional forums remain a staple in the industry calendar. With Westchester County Airport’s runway upgrades in the pipeline, it is clear that the airport will continue to play a crucial role in the ongoing development of aviation infrastructure. The NBAA has long been a champion of ensuring that the industry adapts to new challenges and the changes to the White Plains forum are a testament to its commitment to creating successful events for the aviation community.

In the coming weeks, the NBAA will provide further updates about the revised plans for the 2026 White Plains Regional Forum. This event, like many others in the aviation sector, will continue to serve as a platform for networking, business development and the promotion of innovation in the aviation industry. Despite the changes, the future remains bright for the NBAA and its ongoing efforts to support and enhance business aviation.

Conclusion

The announcement of the runway upgrades at Westchester County Airport and the subsequent rescheduling of the NBAA’s White Plains Regional Forum in 2026 is a significant event in the aviation industry. While these changes are necessary to improve the infrastructure at one of the most important airports in the region, the NBAA remains dedicated to ensuring that the White Plains forum remains a valuable and highly anticipated event. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, such adjustments are essential for fostering innovation, growth and collaboration within the business aviation community.