Amarillo's Airport: Major Hub Or Minor Stopover?

Amarillo, Texas, is served by Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, located six miles east of downtown Amarillo. The airport offers flights to several destinations across the United States and is recognised for its 13,502-foot runway, the seventh-longest civilian runway in the country. The airport is named after NASA astronaut and Amarillo native Rick Husband, who tragically passed away in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003.

Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport

Amarillo does have a major airport, the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport. Located in Potter County, Texas, the airport is approximately six miles (10 km) east of downtown Amarillo. The airport offers a range of services and facilities to cater to the needs of travellers and businesses.

The history of aviation in Amarillo dates back to 1918, when the first recorded landing of aircraft took place. Over the years, the city has seen the development of various aerodromes and airports, with the current international airport serving as a hub for both commercial and military aviation. The airport covers 3,547 acres (1,435 ha) and has two concrete runways, including one of the longest commercial runways in the United States at 13,502 feet (4,115 m) in length.

The airport was renamed in 2003 to honour NASA astronaut and Amarillo native Rick Husband, who tragically lost his life in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in February of that year. The terminal building underwent a significant $52.2 million renovation, completed in 2011, to enhance the travel experience for passengers.

Amarillo's airport history

Amarillo does have a major airport, Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, which is located 6 miles (10 km) east of downtown Amarillo, in Potter County, Texas, United States. The airport was renamed in 2003 after NASA astronaut and Amarillo native Rick Husband, who died in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in February of that year.

The history of aviation in Amarillo goes back to 27 April 1918, when two Army Signal Corps planes, commanded by Lt. R. Gray, landed in a pasture in the city. The Panhandle Air Service and Transportation Co. was then established in 1919, with Amarillo's first aerodrome, Bivins Field, opening on 1 January 1920. The City of Amarillo opened its first municipal airport, "Old Muny", on 29 May 1929, located 4 miles west of the current Amarillo International Airport. Old Muny closed in 1951.

In 1929, Bivins Field was relocated 7 miles east of Amarillo and renamed English Field. Western Air Express began passenger airline service to Amarillo in 1929, with flights to Wichita, Kansas City, Albuquerque, and Los Angeles. Over the years, various airlines have served Amarillo, including Transcontinental and Western Air (TWA), Southern Air Transport, American Airways, Braniff Airways, Pioneer Air Lines, Continental Airlines, Central Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.

In 1952, the airport was renamed Amarillo Air Terminal, and in 1976, it became a US Customs port of entry, becoming Amarillo International Airport. The terminal building underwent a $52.2 million renovation that was completed in 2011.

Today, Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport offers various services and conveniences for travellers, including dining, shopping, and rental car options. The airport covers 3,547 acres (1,435 ha) and has two concrete runways, with a significant portion of its operations dedicated to military training.

Airlines and destinations

Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport is located 6 miles (10 km) east of downtown Amarillo, in Potter County, Texas, United States. The airport offers various services and amenities to travellers, including dining, shopping, and rental car options.

Several airlines operate at the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, providing both domestic and international flights. Here is a list of the airlines and their destinations:

American Airlines:

American Airlines offers direct flights from the United States to Amarillo International Airport. They also provide domestic connections within the US, including routes to Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, and Las Vegas. American Airlines has a strong presence at the airport and is one of the biggest airlines serving this location.

Southwest Airlines:

Southwest Airlines also operates direct flights to Amarillo International Airport from within the United States. They provide convenient connections to destinations such as Dallas Love Field, Albuquerque, and Phoenix. Southwest Airlines is another major carrier at this airport.

United Airlines:

United Airlines serves Amarillo International Airport and offers flights to Houston-Intercontinental. They are one of the larger airlines operating at this airport.

Delta Air Lines:

Delta Air Lines previously served Amarillo International Airport with non-stop flights to Dallas/Fort Worth and one-stop flights via Lubbock. However, their service to Amarillo was discontinued in 2005.

Alaska Airlines:

Alaska Airlines is another carrier that serves Amarillo International Airport, providing flights to various destinations.

Other Airlines:

In addition to the major carriers mentioned above, other airlines that have served or currently serve Amarillo International Airport include Pioneer Air Lines, Continental Airlines, Central Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Trans-Texas Airways, Aspen Airways, and ViaAir. These airlines have provided connections to different parts of the United States, and some have since merged or discontinued service.

It is always recommended to check the official websites of these airlines and the airport for the most up-to-date information on routes and schedules.

Airport services

Amarillo does have a major airport, the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (AMA / KAMA), which is located 6-9 miles east of downtown Amarillo, in Potter County, Texas. The airport is served by American, Southwest, and United Airlines, offering flights to popular destinations across the United States.

Parking

The airport offers both covered and uncovered parking options, including a 3-level parking garage. The parking rates are as follows:

• Garage Parking: $2 per half hour or $14 per day
• Preferred Lot: $2 per half hour or $11 per day (first 30 minutes free)
• Outdoor Lot: $2 per hour or $10 per day (first 30 minutes free)
• Cell Phone Lot: Free parking for quick passenger pickups

Rental Cars

Rental car services are available at the airport from AVIS, Enterprise, Budget, and National.

Transportation

While the Amarillo Airport does not offer a shuttle service, various taxi, limo, and ridesharing options are available, including Uber and Lyft. Additionally, contact information for several taxi services is provided on the airport's website:

• A & M Taxi: 806-437-6859
• AA Discount Cab: 806-374-1111
• Q & D Driver: 806-356-0747
• Sky Limo: 806-457-8759

Dining and Shopping

The airport provides dining and shopping options for travellers, although specific details are not readily available.

Airport restrictions

Airports have restrictions on the items that can be brought into the airport and onboard an aircraft. These restrictions are in place for the safety of passengers and crew. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides guidelines on what can and cannot be brought into the airport and onboard an aircraft. Here are some of the common restrictions:

Carry-On Bags:

• Liquids: Liquids are restricted to 3.4 ounces (100ml) and must fit in a single quart-sized bag. This includes mini bottles of alcohol, creams, and gels.
• Electronic Devices: All electronic devices must be powered on to be allowed onboard. Devices without power will not be permitted.
• Aerosols: Aerosol insecticides are prohibited in carry-on bags.
• Sharp Objects: Sharp objects such as knives, scissors, and razors are not allowed and must be checked in.
• Sports Equipment: Sports equipment that can be used as a bludgeon, such as bats and clubs, is prohibited in the cabin and must be checked in.
• Firearms: Firearms are not permitted in carry-on bags. They must be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and declared to the airline.

Checked Bags:

• Alcoholic Beverages: Alcoholic drinks with over 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited to 5 liters per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging.
• Ammunition: Small arms ammunition must be securely packed in fibre, wood, or metal boxes designed for carrying ammunition.
• Electronic Devices: Devices containing lithium batteries, such as laptops and phones, should be carried in carry-on bags whenever possible.
• Engines and Engine-Powered Equipment: Engine-powered equipment with residual fuel, such as chainsaws and generators, is prohibited in checked bags.
• Hazardous Materials: Items containing hazardous materials, such as flammable liquids or compressed gases, are not allowed.

It is important to note that these are general guidelines, and specific restrictions may vary depending on the airport and airline. Passengers should always check with their airline and review the TSA guidelines before packing for air travel. Additionally, the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the security checkpoint rests with the TSA officer.

Frequently asked questions