Unless the airport is at full capacity there is no justification for capital investment.
They have run a very lean operation compared to other airports. However Catch 22 for a small airport like NOC. They have to compete large airports and meet airline infrastructure expectations to attract routes and carriers.
Operational support has been cut so they have to reach economies of scale beyond 1.2m pax to become self sufficient financially. Infrastructure is already proving a barrier to growth.
Airside capacity:
Lots of spare capacity in mornings and evenings, but NOC doesn't have much business traffic, mostly low-co/vfr/charter airlines and operates a single 07:00 - 18:00 shift due to funding constraints.
Just 3 category C stands and a single link taxiway. Airline schedules dictate slot times and most FR slots are mid-day hours.
During the summer they regularly have to hold arriving aircraft on the cargo apron, backtrack on the runway, rotate departing aircraft on the small main apron. Looping taxiway would alleviate some of the pressure.
Little capacity for overnight or based aircraft, tech delays, diversions or emergency handling.
No large hangars, no base accommodation.
Larger aircraft block 2 stands and can't be accommodated during busy hours.
US carriers want air bridges, push back towing, catering and additional support services.
Then there are handling, staff and equipment constraints.
Terminal:
Nearing design capacity ... no room for commercial units in departures.
Installed porta-cabins for overflow in summer months. Lots of complaints about queuing in August with just 2 security belts and 1200+ pax transiting in apps 1 hour period.
Likewise just two baggage belts and limited space in small baggage hall.
Carpark and overflow jammed in summer months, no long-term car park and drop off road layout isn't optimal. Car-hire companies severally limited in terms of compound / parking space.
Politics, I had to ask.
Yup!