MEMPHIS, Tenn. (May 21, 2026) – The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA) Board of Commissioners voted Thursday to approve a balanced MSCAA budget for Fiscal Year 2027 (July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027).
The $172.1 million 2026 Operations and Maintenance (O&M) budget, which represents a 4.21 percent increase from the previous year, 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 2027, operating revenues are projected to increase by approximately 4.26 percent. Total operating expenses, including debt service and capital outlay, increased by 3.20 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 $129.25 average per square foot in fiscal year 2026 to $163.55 average per square foot charge in 2027. Airline terminal rental fees are calculated by dividing the terminal’s net operating cost by the total rented space. Landing fees increased from $2.63 to $2.84 per 1,000 lbs. of landed weight.
Highlights of the FY 2027 MSCAA budget:
- Total revenues/other sources: $172,105,700
- Total expenses, capital outlay, and debt service: $159,223,900
- Landing fees: $2.84 /thousand lbs.
- Terminal square foot rate: $163.55