TSE BONITO, N.M. – Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren joined transportation leaders, aviation professionals, and government partners for the Navajo Nation Aviation Summit hosted by the Navajo Department of Transportation (NDOT) Department of Airports Management.
The summit highlighted the continued growth of the Navajo Nation’s aviation program and the transition to the newly established Navajo Aviation Unit. The new unit unifies Navajo Air Transportation and the Department of Airports Management under a coordinated approach to strengthen airport operations, aviation services, infrastructure planning, and future development opportunities across the Navajo Nation.
The Navajo Aviation Unit plays a critical role in supporting transportation, emergency response, government operations, and long-term economic development. The unit is focused on maintaining safe and reliable airport facilities, strengthening compliance and infrastructure planning, and working closely with tribal, federal, and state partners to improve aviation services for Navajo communities.
A key purpose of the summit was to bring aviation partners together to recognize progress made across the Nation’s airport system while discussing future opportunities and challenges. The gathering also provided an opportunity for partner agencies to better understand Navajo Nation procedures while allowing Navajo leadership to gain insight into partner processes, helping improve coordination and support smoother operations across agencies and organizations.
Those in attendance included Amanda Tolino, Planner for the Navajo Department of Transportation; Michael Tsosie, Airport Manager I for Navajo DOT; Justin Barker, Manager for the Federal Aviation Administration’s Louisiana/New Mexico District; and Jane Lucero, A.A.E., AICP, Airport Development Administrator for the New Mexico Department of Transportation Aviation Division.
The Aviation Summit reflects the Navajo Nation’s commitment to building a stronger aviation system that supports public safety, transportation, economic growth, and future opportunities while preparing the next generation of aviation development and service for the Navajo people.
