Changing NPIAS Classification

Updates to the NPIAS occur every two years. As the roles of airports change, so can their NPIAS classifications. Airports and their communities can be aware and take an active role in understanding their NPIAS classification. According to the FAA’s 2015-2019 NPIAS report:

“The NPIAS report identifies for Congress and the public those airports included in the national airport system, the role they serve, and the amounts and types of airport development eligible for Federal funding under the AIP over the next 5 years.”

It is critical to communicate the importance of the NPIAS classification to the community and airport stakeholders. Use this information to tell the story of the airport: of how past, present, and future airport activity shapes the role of the airport. For example, a nonprimary reliever airport most likely would like to communicate about how the airport provides GA access to the community that would otherwise be difficult using only the region’s primary commercial service airport. Because inclusion in the NPIAS is directly tied to AIP funding and other airport services, the airport’s NPIAS role may be actively considered when investigating the potential role of the airport in the community. Additionally, the FAA makes available previous NPIAS reports on their website – use this information to learn how your airport has evolved and changed NPIAS classification over time.

This section outlines the details of how airports enter into the NPIAS and when classified in ASSET reports and what factors contribute to their classifications. Use this information to evaluate whether there have been any changes that could potentially reclassify the airport and what actions taken by the airport cause changes in classification. Be sure to explore your airport’s classification in the Identifying Your Airport’s Classification section.

Primary Airports

Nonprimary Airports

Airports Not Included in the NPIAS

Resources

Tools

  • Align ASSET Classification with Airport Roles (Word file)

    If your airport has an ASSET classification, you can use this worksheet to compare the criteria for classification to the activity that occurs to determine if your airport is serving the appropriate roles.

  • Communicate NPIAS Roles (Word file)

    This worksheet can be used to take your airport’s NPIAS and ASSET classifications to create a statement that conveys the activity and roles of your airport to the community.