A global pandemic can’t stop a valued event, and the Girls in Aviation Day that’s become popular in recent years will still happen in 2020 – but virtually.

This year’s event will launch on Saturday, Sept. 26, but you can register now, and materials will be available prior to the 26th. Visit this website to register and learn more.

The event aims to encourage girls to pursue careers in aviation, science, technology, engineering and math. Course materials are created for different grade levels including elementary, middle and high school-aged attendees. The Stars of the North Chapter of Women in Aviation International (WAI) sponsors the event.

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) typically partners with WAI to host the event at one of its general aviation airports - most recently Flying Cloud in Eden Prairie.

This year’s event was originally set to take place at the St. Paul Downtown Airport, but the MAC is still participating by providing a MAC-themed coloring sheet.

More than 2,400 people pre-registered for the in-person event last year, and organizers of this year’s Girls in Aviation Day are ready to draw a crowd with the virtual version.

Minnesota air travelers flying out of MSP Airport’s Terminal 1 will soon be able to again save themselves a trip to a DVS, deputy registrar or driver’s license agent office and apply for their REAL ID at the airport.

On Tuesday, Sept. 1, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division (DPS-DVS) will reopen the REAL ID office inside the secure area of Terminal 1 in the Airport Mall area -- across from Stone Arch restaurant near the entrance to Concourse G. The office, which was temporarily closed earlier this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, provides a convenient way for air travelers to get their questions answered and apply for their REAL ID.

The office will accept REAL ID applications Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. by appointment only. Minnesotans should pre-apply and then make an appointment at Terminal 1 by visiting this link. You must be a ticketed passenger for the day you make your appointment. More information can be found at drive.mn.gov.

Minnesotans wishing to use their State ID to board a domestic commercial flight after October 1, 2021 will need to have a REAL ID or other compliant form of identification. Learn more here. 

As with all indoor public areas in Minnesota, face coverings are required at MSP and while visiting the REAL ID office at Terminal 1.

One of the highlights of the year for area business and community members interested in the aviation industry is the annual State of the Airport Luncheon.

The event typically draws about 500 participants to learn what’s new and upcoming at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and to hear from industry or governmental leaders regarding aviation-related issues.

The Metropolitan Airports Commission and Airport Foundation MSP, co-hosts of the event, have decided to cancel the event this year due to concerns about COVID-19-risks.

“It’s unfortunate because we know many people look forward to the event every year, but based on the current state of the coronavirus pandemic, inviting large numbers of people into a ballroom to eat and network together simply posed too great a risk,” said Jana Webster, executive director of the Airport Foundation MSP.

The event will return in 2021.

The reconstruction of Highway 5 in front of Terminal 1 at MSP Airport reached a milestone earlier this month when construction shifted from the eastbound lanes to the westbound lanes.

The westbound lanes will now remain closed through October.

Highway 5 provides access to Terminal 1, and the westbound lane closures mean drivers approaching the airport from Minneapolis on Hiawatha Avenue or Highway 62 will need to detour to Highway 62 west; south on Highway 77, and then east on Hwy. 5 to Terminal 1.

Visit AroundtheAirport.com for the latest updates and maps to guide you through the detours and ramp closures.

The switchover to the westbound road work also brought changes to the Route 54 Metro Transit bus that serves MSP. Read about the changes at this website by clicking on the last item under "Alerts" on the page.

Travelers are beginning to take to the air again, and MSP is implementing new strategies to keep everyone -- including travelers and employees -- safe and healthy.

To ensure we’re keeping your concerns top-of-mind, we’re asking travelers for their feedback via a three-minute survey. 

We want to know your expectations regarding air travel and your comfort level with your next flight. Your input will help guide our next steps. And we're tracking traveler sentiment over time, so if you took the survey earlier, feel free to take it again.

Thank you for your help in making air travel safe and comfortable.