Fly out of Manassas? Regional Airport to offer commercial flights

Commercial airline service could soon be taking off at a fourth regional airport near D.C.

Why it matters: The revamped Manassas Regional Airport promises to be a budget-friendly alternative for travelers and could take some burden off existing runways.

Catch up quick: The city of Manassas struck a deal with Avports last summer to provide commercial flights out of the regional airport. The Dulles-based airport manager will invest up to $125 million under a 40-year lease to expand the existing terminal and add low-cost commercial flights — possibly within two years.

• The airport initially plans to add four to six passenger gates and up to 30 flights a day with a focus on regional travel and vacation destinations like Florida (carriers and destinations TBA). A "phase two" expansion is expected if successful.

What we're watching: Some locals expressed concern about more noise — a common airport complaint — and environmental impact, both of which are being reviewed by the FAA.