Dubuque, Iowa: Airport Availability And Accessibility

Yes, Dubuque, Iowa has an airport. Dubuque Regional Airport (IATA: DBQ, ICAO: KDBQ, FAA LID: DBQ) is located eight miles south of Dubuque, in Dubuque County, Iowa. The airport is owned by the city of Dubuque and is operated as a department of the city government. The airport offers daily flights to and from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) through Denver Air Connection. Dubuque Regional Airport also provides maintenance and refueling services, including for jets.

Dubuque Regional Airport

The airport is used for general aviation and sees one airline, with a charter service run by Sun Country Airlines. The airport offers maintenance and refueling services, including for jets. In addition to serving private aircraft, Dubuque Regional Airport provides daily afternoon flights to and from Chicago O'Hare International Airport, operated by Denver Air Connection. This service is provided through a Key Lime Company, and Denver Air Connection has interline agreements with American, United, and Delta Airlines. This means that passengers can book one itinerary from Dubuque to their final destination, even if it involves connecting flights with other airlines.

The University of Dubuque has a flight operations centre at the airport, which provides pilot training for the school's aviation programmes. The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 327 is also based at the airport. EAA Chapter 327 is a community organisation that engages local pilots and the community in aviation-related events. Additionally, the Key City Fliers is a flying club based at the airport, offering local pilots the opportunity to rent single-engine aircraft for personal use.

The Dubuque Regional Airport Terminal, named after Captain Robert L. Martin, features free Wi-Fi, enclosed walkways at the gates, an ATM, vending machines, and gaming machines. The terminal has three gates for airline passengers, a baggage carousel, and rental car services from companies such as Avis and Hertz. The airport has been recognised multiple times by the Federal Aviation Administration for its commitment to safety, winning the "Airport Safety Enhancement Award" on four occasions.

Airlines serving Dubuque Regional Airport

Dubuque Regional Airport, located in Iowa, is served by a few different airlines. The airport is home to a variety of carriers, including Denver Air Connection, Avelo Airlines, and American Eagle.

Denver Air Connection, a Key Lime Company, provides daily afternoon flights to and from Chicago O'Hare International Airport. They have interline agreements with major airlines, including American, United, and Delta, allowing passengers to book a single itinerary from Dubuque to their final destination. Denver Air Connection also provides temporary accommodations for flights between Dubuque and Chicago due to construction at O'Hare International Airport.

Avelo Airlines previously offered flights to Orlando, Florida, and Las Vegas, Nevada, but as of January 6, 2024, the service to Las Vegas was discontinued. On January 10, 2024, Avelo Airlines announced that they would pause regular air service to Orlando and transition to seasonal air service. However, in July 2024, Avelo stated they would not return to Dubuque, citing aircraft availability and costs.

American Eagle, a regional partner of American Airlines, previously operated flights to O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. As of September 6, 2022, American Eagle ended its last daily flight to Dubuque Regional Airport.

Dubuque Regional Airport has been recognised for its commitment to safety, winning the FAA's "Airport Safety Enhancement Award" multiple times. The airport provides maintenance and refuelling services and is used for general aviation and charter services.

Dubuque Regional Airport's history

Dubuque Regional Airport is located 8 miles (8.5 miles in some sources) south of Dubuque, Iowa, and is owned by the City of Dubuque. The airport is operated as a department of the city government by an Airport Commission, which hires an airport manager for day-to-day operations. Dubuque Regional Airport covers 1,240 acres (502 ha) at an elevation of 1,077 feet (328 m). It has two concrete runways: 18/36, which is 6,327 by 150 feet (1,928 x 46 m), and 13/31, which is 6,502 by 100 feet (1,982 x 30 m).

The airport is used for general aviation and sees one airline, with a charter service run by Sun Country Airlines. It offers maintenance and refueling services, including for jets. Dubuque Regional Airport is recognised for its commitment to safety, winning the FAA's "Airport Safety Enhancement Award" in 1994, 1997, 2000, and 2003.

The first airline flights at Dubuque Regional Airport were Mid-Continent DC-3s in 1950. In 1955, Braniff replaced Mid-Continent, and in 1955 Ozark replaced Braniff, pulling out its DC9s and FH227s in 1981.

In 2007, the City of Dubuque announced plans to build a new, larger terminal building as part of the airport's master improvement plan. The new $23 million facility opened on June 9, 2016, and was named after Captain Robert L. Martin in 2020. The terminal has three gates for airline passengers, a jet bridge, a baggage carousel, and rental car services. It also offers free Wi-Fi, an ATM, vending machines, and gaming machines.

In the year ending September 30, 2022, the airport had 70,223 aircraft operations, an average of 192 per day. In September 2022, 83 aircraft were based at the airport, including 63 single-engine, 5 multi-engine, 12 jets, and three helicopters.

Hotels near Dubuque Regional Airport

Yes, Dubuque, Iowa, has a regional airport: Dubuque Regional Airport (IATA: DBQ, ICAO: KDBQ, FAA LID: DBQ). The airport is located eight miles south of Dubuque, in Dubuque County, Iowa.

Hotel Julien Dubuque

Located 15 minutes from Dubuque Regional Airport, this hotel offers an on-site restaurant and spa. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen cable TV and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is also known for its remarkable boutique hotel offerings, with elegant accommodations and impeccable service.

Holiday Inn Dubuque/Galena, an IHG Hotel

This Dubuque hotel is within one mile of the Grand River Center convention venue. It offers a free airport shuttle, free Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant.

Best Western Plus Dubuque Hotel and Conference Center

This hotel is located off Route 20 in Dubuque and offers an indoor pool, lounge, on-site restaurant, complimentary hot breakfast, and free airport shuttle.

Fairfield Inn by Marriott Dubuque

Located eight miles from the airport, this hotel features an indoor pool, a gym, and a restaurant. It also provides a business center and free WiFi in public areas.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Dubuque, IA

This hotel, located 6.4 miles from the airport, features an indoor pool and a gym. It also offers a 24-hour business center, free WiFi, and a free continental breakfast.

Days Inn by Wyndham Dubuque

Located six miles from the airport, this hotel features a restaurant, gym, and bar/lounge. It also provides a business center and free WiFi in public areas.

These hotels offer convenient access to the airport and a range of amenities to suit different needs and preferences.

Flights from other cities to Dubuque Regional Airport

Dubuque Regional Airport is located eight miles south of Dubuque, Iowa. The airport offers flights to and from several destinations, providing convenient travel options for passengers in the region. Here is some information about flights from other cities to Dubuque Regional Airport:

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Denver Air Connection, a Key Lime Company, provides a daily afternoon flight to and from Chicago O'Hare. This service is particularly convenient for passengers connecting in Chicago, as Denver Air Connection has interline agreements with major airlines such as American, United, and Delta. This allows passengers to book a single itinerary from Dubuque (DBQ) to their final destination, simplifying the travel experience. Due to construction at O'Hare, Denver Air Connection flights are currently operating from a different area, and passengers may need to use a bus to get to and from Gate G15 in Terminal 3.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport

In the past, Northwest Airlines' regional partner Mesaba Airlines (Northwest Airlink) offered twice-daily flights between Dubuque and Minneapolis-Saint Paul. These flights were operated using Saab 340 aircraft. However, the merged Delta/Northwest Airlines announced an end to this service in 2009.

Orlando, Florida

Avelo Airlines previously offered flights to Orlando using Boeing 737-800 aircraft. This service was announced on November 3, 2022, and the flights commenced on March 22, 2023. However, Avelo later decided to pause regular air service to Orlando and transition to seasonal air service.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Avelo Airlines also briefly served the Dubuque-Las Vegas route, starting on September 13, 2023. However, this service was discontinued on January 6, 2024, as part of a national network reevaluation.

Other Destinations

In addition to the above, Dubuque Regional Airport has seen various other airlines and destinations over the years. American Eagle previously operated flights to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, and Sun Country Airlines offered a charter service. The airport has also experienced attempts at expansion, with plans announced in 2007 to build a new, larger terminal building, which opened in 2016.

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