The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the request of New York’s Ogdensburg International Airport (OPBA)’s request for extending its runway by 1,200ft.

As a part of the extension project, approximately 2,000ft of Route 6B will be relocated and additional fencing will be installed.

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The announcement was made by US Senator Charles Schumer, who visited the airport in July and had later urged the FAA to approve the request.

"This FAA approval, which will enable Allegiant Air flights to land, will provide a major boost to the entire area."

According to the senator, the extension of the runway was crucial to accommodate Allegiant Air that recently started offering flights from the airport. Schumer added that as the airline uses aircrafts that are of bigger size than the ones that currently take off and land at the airport, the runway extension is important.

With the approval, the airport is expected to become a major hub for residents travelling to and from the North Country and Canada, which would also help benefit the local economy.

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Schumer said: "This FAA approval, which will enable Allegiant Air flights to land, will provide a major boost to the entire area.

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"This extended runway and these new flights will result in the creation of good-paying construction jobs, more tourist dollars, increased travel options for residents and an improved climate for business."

The senator further said in a statement that the runway extension had the potential to substantially increase the number of passengers using the airport as the larger Allegiant jet planes carry more people and provide access to numerous other destinations around the country.

OPBA executive director Wade Davis said: "Attracting commercial airliners to Ogdensburg was a key part of our master plan, and now, Allegiant’s takeoff from Ogdensburg is imminent, attracting Canadian travellers from Ottawa while improving North Country air service."

The airport will be able to begin extension work once it completes an environment assessment.

Authorities are hoping that with the completion of the extension, the airport will become eligible for the Air Service funds (EAS) and Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which are awarded to airports fulfilling certain criteria, including a certain number of passengers every year.