Fayetteville, Arkansas: Airport Accessibility And Travel Options

Fayetteville, Arkansas, is served by two airports: Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) and Fayetteville Executive Airport at Drake Field. Northwest Arkansas National Airport is located in Benton County, Arkansas, about 17 miles northwest of Fayetteville. The airport covers 2,680 acres of land and has two parallel 8,800-foot runways. It offers an average of 45 flights a day to major cities across the United States. Fayetteville Executive Airport at Drake Field, on the other hand, is a smaller, general aviation airport located within the city of Fayetteville. It is a first-class business and recreational airport with a rich history in aviation, dating back to 1929.

Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) is the closest airport to Fayetteville

Fayetteville, Arkansas, is served by Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA), which is located less than 20 miles from the city. The airport is a public-use airport situated in Benton County, Arkansas, and serves the rapidly expanding Northwest Arkansas region. It is a vital transportation hub, reflecting the area's economic growth and increasing travel demand.

XNA offers an average of 45 flights daily to major cities across the United States. Six major carriers provide direct flights to and from XNA, including Dallas, Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. With the continuous population growth in Northwest Arkansas, the airport is committed to expanding to meet the region's evolving demands.

XNA covers 2,680 acres of land and features two parallel 8,800-foot runways. The airport has undergone several expansion projects, including a new concourse, ticket counter expansion, and an upper-level concourse with the state's first moving walkway. These improvements enhance the passenger experience and cater to the growing travel needs of the region.

Fayetteville is also home to the Fayetteville Executive Airport at Drake Field, a first-class business and recreational airport. Drake Field is a FAR Part 139 Class IV airfield serving the General Aviation community of Fayetteville, Northwest Arkansas, and beyond. It is conveniently located on the southern end of Fayetteville, just a five-minute drive from the Historic Downtown Square and the University of Arkansas.

Fayetteville Executive Airport at Drake Field is a general aviation airport in the city

Fayetteville, Arkansas, is served by the Fayetteville Executive Airport at Drake Field, a general aviation airport located in the southern part of the city. Drake Field is just a five-minute drive from the Historic Downtown Square and the University of Arkansas.

The airport was established in 1929 with the help of Dr. Noah Drake, a professor of geology at the University of Arkansas. Dr. Drake donated $3,500 to purchase the land for the airport, and in 1936, the residents of Fayetteville approved a $20,000 bond to buy a half-mile square plot of land one mile south of the original location, which is where the airport stands today. On April 14, 1947, the airfield was officially named Drake Field in honour of Dr. Drake.

For half a century, Drake Field provided commercial airline services to the citizens of Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas. However, in 1999, the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (also known as the Northwest Arkansas National Airport) was opened to meet the demands of the rapidly growing region. As a result, Drake Field transitioned into serving the general aviation community of Fayetteville, Northwest Arkansas, and beyond.

Today, Drake Field is a first-class business and recreational airport that honours the rich aviation history of the area. With its continued growth and development, Drake Field has established itself as the premier general aviation airport in Northwest Arkansas.

The City of Fayetteville Aviation Division is responsible for the airport's development and maintenance

Fayetteville, Arkansas, has an airport: the Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA). XNA is a public-use airport located in Benton County, 15 miles (28 km) northwest of Fayetteville. With an area of 2,680 acres (1,085 ha) and two parallel 8,800-foot (2,682-meter) runways, it is the largest commercial/public/general aviation airport in Arkansas in terms of land area.

The City of Fayetteville Aviation Division is responsible for the development, operation, and maintenance of the municipal airport. The Aviation Division is supported by an Airport Board and a committee of citizens who assist the City Council in planning and decision-making related to the airport. The mission of the Aviation Division is to provide Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas with strategic and innovative aviation services that foster economic growth and commerce.

The current municipal airport, Drake Field, was established in 1929 with the help of Dr. Noah Drake, a professor who donated funds for the purchase of land. In 1936, residents approved a $20,000 bond to buy a larger plot of land to construct the airport at its present site. For half a century, Drake Field served Northwest Arkansas with commercial airline service. However, in 1999, the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (now XNA) was opened to meet the growing demands of the region.

Today, Drake Field serves the general aviation community of Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas. It has evolved into a first-class business and recreational airport, honouring the aviation traditions of the past while embracing innovation for the future. The Aviation Division aims to foster partnerships, capitalise on the airport's assets, ensure fiscal stability, and contribute to the economic well-being of the community.

In summary, the City of Fayetteville Aviation Division plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of the municipal airport, Drake Field, ensuring that it meets the aviation needs of the community and supports the economic growth of Fayetteville and the surrounding region.

XNA offers an average of 45 flights daily to major US cities

Fayetteville, Arkansas, is served by the Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA), which is located less than 20 miles from the city. The airport covers 2,680 acres of land and has two parallel 8,800-foot runways. XNA is a vital transportation hub, offering an average of 45 flights daily to major US cities.

XNA provides convenient and economical air transportation to and from Northwest Arkansas. Six major carriers fly to XNA, offering direct flights to several US metropolitan areas, including Dallas, Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Las Vegas. The airport strives to meet the demands of the rapidly growing region.

The establishment of XNA was driven by the need to accommodate the region's growing population and economic activities. Prior to XNA, Drake Field in Fayetteville was the primary airport, but its operational limitations prompted the search for a more capable facility. In 1998, the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (now XNA) opened, featuring a single terminal and runway.

XNA has undergone several expansions and improvements since its opening. In 2007, a new concourse was constructed, increasing the number of airplane parking positions from twelve to twenty. In 2010, the airport completed a ticket counter expansion and a $21 million expansion to the upper-level concourse, which included the state's first moving walkway.

XNA is included in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2019-2023 and is categorized as a small-hub primary commercial service facility. The airport is an important economic driver, providing over a thousand stable jobs for NWA residents and impacting various companies that serve the airport.

XNA is 15 nautical miles from Fayetteville, serving the rapidly growing Northwest Arkansas region

Fayetteville, Arkansas, is served by the Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA), which is located 15 nautical miles from the city. The airport covers 2,680 acres of land and has two parallel 8,800-foot runways. XNA is a vital transportation hub, serving the rapidly growing Northwest Arkansas region and reflecting the area's economic expansion and increasing travel demands.

The establishment of XNA was driven by the need to accommodate the region's growing population and economic activities. Prior to its opening in 1998, Drake Field in Fayetteville was the primary airport, but its operational limitations prompted the search for a more capable facility. The Northwest Arkansas Council, a private, non-profit organization, was formed with Alice L. Walton as its first chairperson. Under her leadership, the council initiated efforts that led to the creation of the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport Authority, which included representatives from several cities and counties in the region.

XNA provides an average of 45 flights per day to major cities across the country. Six major carriers fly to XNA, offering direct flights to destinations such as Dallas, Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and more. The airport is easily accessible from Fayetteville, with a driving distance of around 24 miles. The drive offers a glimpse of the Ozark Mountains and the rural side of Benton and Washington counties.

XNA has become an important gateway to the region, benefiting from its proximity to major corporate headquarters, including Walmart in Bentonville, Tyson Foods in Springdale, and J.B. Hunt Transport Services in Lowell. The airport is frequently used by athletic teams from the University of Arkansas and visiting opponents. With the region's continued growth, XNA strives to expand and meet the increasing demands for air travel in Northwest Arkansas.

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