MEMPHIS, Tenn. (May 15, 2025) – The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA) Board of Commissioners voted Thursday to approve a balanced MSCAA budget for Fiscal Year 2026 (July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026).
The $165.1 million Fiscal Year 2026 Operations and Maintenance (O&M) budget, which is just under the $165.2 million Fiscal Year 2025 budget, sets the fees and charges that the airlines pay to the Airport Authority and establishes spending authority for MSCAA operations. The O&M budget does not include capital development expenditures.
The MSCAA budget was previously presented to Memphis International Airport’s (MEM’s) Airline Airport Affairs Committee, which is comprised of representatives from MEM’s partner airlines, and was approved by the MSCAA Board’s Finance and Administration Committee.
For the upcoming fiscal year 2026, operating revenues are projected to increase by approximately 1 percent. Total operating expenses, including debt service and capital outlay, decreased by 0.30 percent compared to the prior year. The MSCAA receives no tax revenue from the City of Memphis or Shelby County.
This budget increases terminal rates and charges from $114.63 in fiscal year 2025 to $129.83 average per square foot charge in 2026. Airline terminal rental fees are calculated by dividing the terminal’s net operating cost by the total rented space. Landing fees increased from $2.2976 to $2.6700 per 1,000 lbs. of landed weight.
Highlights of the FY 2026 MSCAA budget:
- Total revenues/other sources: $165,146,000
- Total expenses, capital outlay, and debt service: $154,281,200
- Landing fees: $2.6700 /thousand lbs.
- Terminal square foot rate: $129.83
The Fiscal Year 2026 budget comes on the heels of a milestone 2024 for MEM, highlighted by 4.9 million origin and destination (O&D) passengers traveling through the airport. In addition, 8.28 billion pounds of cargo was handled in 2024, helping MEM to maintain its position as the busiest cargo airport in North America.