Davenport, Iowa: Airport Access And Amenities Explored

Davenport, Iowa is a city in Scott County, Iowa, United States. The city does have an airport, called Davenport Municipal Airport, which is located about 7 miles north of downtown Davenport. The airport has been functional since 1948 and has two runways. However, the closest major airport to Davenport is the Quad City International Airport, which is about 6-10 miles from the city centre.

Quad City International Airport

The closest major airport to Davenport, Iowa, is the Quad City International Airport (MLI / KMLI). The airport is located in Moline, Illinois, and is just 10 miles from the centre of Davenport, Iowa.

History

Franing Field, the site of the present-day Quad City International Airport, was chosen for its ideal flying conditions, with 120 acres of level, grassy land free of obstacles. The airport has a rich history in aviation, making headlines in 1919 as the control point for the first coast-to-coast flight. In 1927, an estimated 10,000 people gathered at the airport to welcome Charles Lindbergh and his famous plane, the Spirit of St. Louis.

The airport underwent major remodelling in 1961 and 1968, adding essential facilities such as baggage claim, a restaurant, and boarding areas. The current airport terminal was completed in 1985, allowing for the expansion of airline facilities.

Renovations

On March 30, 2021, the airport announced another significant renovation with a budget of $20-$40 million. This project includes updating and expanding the ticketing area, widening the TSA screening area, and adding modern amenities such as an indoor/outdoor garden, observation deck, modern seating, and power sources throughout the airport.

Airlines and Destinations

The airport has served various airlines over the years, including AccessAir, Air Midwest, AirTran Airways, America West Airlines, American Airlines, Allegiant Air, and United Airlines, to name a few.

While the airport does not have any international commercial passenger flights, it handles international cargo shipments and international general aviation passenger flights due to its designation as an official port of entry.

Amenities

The terminal features a full-service Air Host Restaurant, a full-service bar, a Paradies Gift Shop, a shoe shine service, and a post office. An art gallery showcasing local and regional art is located near the security checkpoint. Free wireless internet (Wi-Fi) is available throughout the airport.

Beyond the security checkpoint, there is a snack bar, lounge, bar, and a Gevalia Kaffe Coffee Shop. A CNBC News and Gift Shop can be found on Concourse B, and a frequent flyer lounge, Destination Points, is available for loyal travellers.

Davenport Municipal Airport

Davenport, Iowa, is served by Davenport Municipal Airport, a general aviation airport located about 7 miles (11 km) north of downtown Davenport. The airport has been in operation since 1948 and is home to the Quad City Air Show, which started in 1987 and is one of the longest continuously running air shows in the country.

The airport covers an area of 764 acres (309 ha) and features two concrete paved runways: 15/33 and 3/21. The former is the main northwest-southeast runway, which was set to be extended from 5,511 feet (1,680 m) to 6,900 feet (2,100 m) as part of a renovation project. Runway 15 is also equipped with an ILS system and MALSR lighting, making it the designated calm wind runway. All runways have RNAV approaches and medium to high-intensity runway edge lighting with VASI glide slope indicators.

In addition to the runways and aircraft operations, Davenport Municipal Airport also boasts a 7,460-square-foot (690-square-meter) terminal with an attached 20,000-square-foot (1,900-square-meter) hangar. The terminal includes a pilot's lounge, a flight planning room, a business centre, and conference rooms. The airport also offers a range of services, including flight charter, aircraft rental, flight training, and maintenance through the local fixed-base operator, Carver Aero.

Dubuque Regional Airport

The closest major airport to Davenport, Iowa, is the Quad City International Airport, which is around 10 miles away in Moline, Illinois. However, there are several other airports in the area, including the Dubuque Regional Airport, which is 64 miles from Davenport.

The airport has a history of airline flights dating back to 1950, when Mid-Continent DC-3s first operated from Dubuque. Since then, various airlines have come and gone, including Northwest Airlines, Delta/Northwest Airlines, American Eagle, and Avelo Airlines, which operated flights to Orlando, Florida, and Las Vegas, Nevada, until early 2024. The airport has also experienced attempts at expansion, with a new $23 million terminal building opening in 2016, and efforts to court more airlines.

The University of Dubuque has a flight operations centre at the airport, providing pilot training for its aviation programs. Additionally, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 327 is based at the airport, engaging local pilots and the community in aviation-related events. The airport also offers various amenities for passengers, including free Wi-Fi, enclosed walkways to the planes, an ATM, vending machines, and gaming machines.

The Eastern Iowa Airport

Davenport, Iowa is served by the Quad City International Airport (MLI), located in Moline, Illinois, which is 10 miles from the centre of Davenport. However, for those based in Eastern Iowa, the Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) is another option.

The airport has seen upgrades in recent years, with Delta now using Airbus A320s to fly to Atlanta, and United operating Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s to Denver International Airport and O'Hare International Airport. American Airlines has also upgraded its flights to Charlotte, Dallas, and Phoenix, now using Airbus A319s and A320s. The airport is served by five airlines, with non-stop flights to seventeen airports.

The airport's address is 2121 Arthur Collins Pkwy SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, and its phone number is (319) 362-8336.

Moline (MLI) Airport

The closest major airport to Davenport, Iowa, is the Quad City International Airport (MLI / KMLI), located in Moline, Illinois. The airport is just 10 miles from the centre of Davenport, Iowa, and is easily accessible by road.

History

The site of the airport, Franing Field, was chosen for its ideal flying conditions, with 120 acres of level, grassy land unobstructed by surrounding obstacles. The airport has a rich history in aviation, being selected as a control point for the first-ever coast-to-coast flight in 1919. In 1927, an estimated 10,000 people gathered at the airport to welcome Charles Lindbergh and his famous plane, the Spirit of St. Louis, during a cross-country commercial aviation promotion tour.

The airport has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years to accommodate growing airline operations and improve passenger experience. In 1961 and 1968, additions included essential airport functions such as baggage claim, a restaurant, and boarding areas. The current airport terminal, completed in 1985, was built to replace the older structure, allowing for the expansion of airline facilities.

Airlines and Destinations

Several airlines have operated at Quad City International Airport, including AccessAir, Air Midwest, AirTran Airways, America West Airlines, American Airlines, Allegiant Air, and United Airlines. The airport offers flights to various destinations, including:

• Orlando
• Las Vegas
• Clearwater
• Phoenix/Mesa
• St. Petersburg
• Charlotte
• Chicago–O'Hare
• Denver

Amenities and Facilities

The airport features a full-service Air Host Restaurant, a bar, a Paradies Gift Shop, a shoe shine service, and a post office. An art gallery showcasing local and regional modern and contemporary art is located near the security checkpoint. Free wireless internet (Wi-Fi) is available throughout the airport.

Beyond the security area, passengers can access a snack bar, a lounge, a bar, and a Gevalia Kaffe Coffee Shop. A CNBC News and Gift Shop is also available, along with a frequent flyer lounge called Destination Points for local and regional travellers. Workstations are provided for passengers who need to work or recharge their electronic devices.

Two hotels are conveniently located on the airport property, the Hampton Inn & Suites and the Holiday Inn Express, providing easy access for travellers.

Frequently asked questions