Runway Closure at Thun Field Forces Scramble for Local Operators

Starting July 27, the KPLU runway will shut down for four months to accommodate a $7.18 million infrastructure overhaul.

Meg Godlewski

Friday, July 17, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Airplane on approach at Pierce County Airport-Thun Field in South Hill, Washington. [Credit: Meg Godlewski]

Key Takeaways:

Pierce County Airport-Thun Field (KPLU) will undergo a four-month shutdown starting July 27 for a $7.18 million federally funded project to reconstruct its aging runway.
The project will replace and widen the runway, improve drainage, and upgrade lighting, aiming to extend its lifespan by 20-30 years.
Tenants, flight schools, and private aircraft owners are scrambling to relocate operations and aircraft during the closure, facing significant logistical challenges.
Despite the full shutdown of fixed-wing operations, the county will not offer rent reductions or adjustments, causing concern and fears of business failure among some airport users.

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Facing a critical four-month shutdown starting July 27, tenants and flight schools at Pierce County Airport-Thun Field (KPLU) in South Hill, Washington, are rushing to relocate as the facility begins a $7.18 million federally funded project to replace its aging runway.

“[Runway 17-25] is reaching the end of its lifespan and needs to be reconstructed to remain operational,” said Trent Smith, airport manager with the Pierce County Planning and Public Works Department. “This project safeguards a critical county asset. By securing a new 20-to-30-year runway lifespan, this investment eliminates costly emergency repairs and preserves runway access for airport businesses, tenants, pilots, and emergency services.”