Juneau GA users say master plan understates AvGas demand, file late comments

More than 50 general aviation pilots signed a formal letter challenging the Juneau International Airport Draft Master Plan's finding that no unmet fueling demand exists at JNU. The letter cites a single AvGas provider whose prices carry a markup of roughly 33 percent and no backup supply if that provider goes offline.

Nolan Davis, the Airport Tenant Liaison, submitted the letter after reaching out to GA users who, according to the letter, were mostly unaware of the draft master plan. Only a few knew about the public meeting. "The GA users that have signed this unanimously want an alternate source of AvGas on airport property," Davis said. The letter requests a self-serve AvGas fuel farm on grounds of safety redundancy, cost competition, and economic benefit for transient traffic. Pilots also flagged a closed wash basin, hangar flooding, absent pilot lounges, float pond corrosion, and a request for an unimproved gravel strip.

The formal public comment period has closed, but the Master Plan Update remains under review and JNU's final staff comments are still outstanding. Airport staff told the Juneau International Airport Board on Wednesday that they will attach the letter to JNU's final comment package so it is preserved in the project record for the master plan team's consideration. The board took no action on the item.

The draft master plan was delivered to JNU and the FAA on Feb. 13, 2026, following FAA approval of the baseline scenario on Jan. 5, 2026. MBI visited Juneau on April 9 and 10 to conduct a public open house for the final master plan update, a final Technical Advisory Committee meeting, and to provide an update to the JNU Board.

Board Chair Eve Soutiere said she reviewed the letter, which had some concerns and suggestions for the Airport Master Plan. She hoped people from the General Aviation community could attend the next meeting, scheduled for Aug. 13, 2026.