Mobile’s new airport: Opening date remains elusive, board approves pay raise
Mobile Airport Authority board hears that progress is being made on a critical traffic roundabout.
Mason Reed 
The timeline for Mobile’s new airport remains in flux. While the opening has been shifted from fall 2026 to early 2027, the Mobile Airport Authority (MAA) is seeing rapid progress on a critical traffic roundabout essential to the facility's debut.
Airport Progress and Infrastructure Challenges
Board chairman and former Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson confirmed that while construction efforts are moving quickly, the official opening date is still pending. Stimpson noted that the project is currently holding to its $381 million budget. Previous delays, pushed into the first quarter of 2027, were attributed to baggage-handling equipment arriving from Europe and TSA approval processes.
A major focus of the current infrastructure push involves two roundabouts designed to manage flow at the Brookley Aeroplex. While a smaller project connects the airport to Perimeter Road, a larger, more complex roundabout at Broad Street and Michigan Avenue remains a priority. Engineering firm RS&H completed design work for the Broad-Michigan intersection in late April, with bids slated for June 4. The MAA plans to meet with city officials to finalize funding strategies for the project, which is estimated to cost between $6 million and $7 million.
Board Compensation and Executive Leadership
During Wednesday's meeting, the Mobile Airport Authority board voted to approve a pay increase for its members. The approved proposal bumps base pay for directors to $1,000 per month, with potential earnings reaching $1,800 depending on duties, while the chairman’s compensation moves to $2,000 per month.
The measure saw opposition from board chairman emeritus Eliott Maisel, who argued the authority should prioritize its mission of completing the terminal over board compensation. Despite his dissent, the motion passed. Additionally, the board moved to authorize negotiations for a salary for acting executive director J. Adam Hays, aiming to match the $250,000 base salary previously held by Andy Wilson.
