Harrisburg, Pa: Airport Accessibility And Convenience

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is served by the Harrisburg International Airport (MDT), located in Middletown, Pennsylvania, about nine miles southeast of Harrisburg. The airport is the third-largest in the state and has been serving south-central Pennsylvania since the late 19th century. It is conveniently located next to I-76, I-83, and I-81, allowing for the fast transfer of goods. The airport offers flights to various destinations, including Orlando and Atlanta, and is served by major airlines such as Frontier Airlines and American Airlines.

Harrisburg International Airport's location and transport links

Harrisburg International Airport (IATA: MDT, ICAO: KMDT, FAA LID: MDT) is located in Middletown, Pennsylvania, just nine miles (14 km) southeast of Harrisburg. The airport is easily accessible by road, situated next to I-76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike), I-83, and I-81, as well as State Route 230 and the Capital Beltway. This convenient location allows for the fast transfer of goods to and from the airport.

The airport has a comprehensive parking system, with 2,504 parking spaces across three levels for Short-Term Hourly, Daily, and Long-Term public parking. The first level accommodates taxis, limos, hotel shuttles, public and charter buses, as well as rental car return and pick-up. Route 7 of the Capital Area Transit System provides bus connections to downtown Harrisburg and the surrounding communities.

For those travelling by train, the Middletown Amtrak Station is located just 3 miles (5 km) east of the airport terminal, offering Amtrak service via the Keystone Corridor. There had been proposals to construct a new rail terminal adjacent to the airport, but the new station will be located 2 miles (3.2 km) east, in Middletown.

Harrisburg International Airport has a long history, dating back to the late 19th century. The site was previously known as the Middletown Air Depot, providing logistical and maintenance support for military aircraft until its closure in 1969. In 1968, airline flights began operating from the former U.S. Air Force base, then known as Olmsted State Airport. The airport was renamed Harrisburg International Airport in 1973, with new terminals designed by architect William Pereira.

Today, the airport covers 680 acres (280 ha) and features a single asphalt runway, 10,001 by 200 feet (3,048 by 61 m). The runway has a CAT III approach, enabling operations down to 600 feet (180 m) RVR (Runway Visual Range). The airport is equipped with a Surface Movement Guidance Control System (SMGCS) to facilitate safe ground movements during reduced visibility conditions.

The airport's history and previous names

Harrisburg International Airport (HIA) is the third-largest airport in Pennsylvania and has been serving central Pennsylvania for over 100 years. The airport is located in Middletown, Pennsylvania, about nine miles southeast of Harrisburg.

During the Spanish-American War, a portion of the airport property was part of Camp George G. Meade, a military reception centre that housed up to 30,000 recruits and served as the headquarters of the Second Army. The camp was not equipped for cold weather and closed shortly after its establishment in 1898. In the 1910s, the airport land was used to grow crops for the H.J. Heinz Company.

In 1930, the Harrisburg State Airport, later renamed the Capital City Airport, was dedicated. It served as the commercial airport for central Pennsylvania until the creation of HIA in 1969. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania bought the airport in 1936 and enlarged it with new runways, a hangar, and an administration building. During World War II, an air squadron was located at the airport, and a brick hangar was built for the Pennsylvania Air Guard.

The Harrisburg International Airport began its operations in 1969, after airline flights moved from Capital City Airport to the former US Air Force base, which was renamed Olmsted State Airport. The airport was renamed Harrisburg International Airport in 1973, with new terminals designed by architect William Pereira. In 1998, ownership of the airport was transferred to the Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority (SARAA), which also owns Capital City Airport and two other general aviation airports in the region. A new 360,000-square-foot terminal was completed in 2004, costing $120 million.

Airlines operating from the airport

Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) is located in Middletown, Pennsylvania, about 9 miles (14 km) southeast of Harrisburg. It is the third-largest airport in Pennsylvania and has been serving south-central Pennsylvania since the late 19th century.

Several airlines operate from Harrisburg International Airport, providing both domestic and international flights to various destinations. Here are some of the airlines that currently serve the airport:

• Allegiant
• American Airlines: American Airlines offers flights to destinations such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
• Delta Airlines
• United Airlines
• Frontier Airlines: Frontier Airlines provides flights to destinations like Orlando International Airport.

The airport also has a history of being served by other airlines, such as Allegheny Airlines, Trans World Airlines, and Altair Airlines, which offered flights within Pennsylvania and to various Northeast destinations before deregulation.

Hotels near Harrisburg International Airport

Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) is located in Middletown, Pennsylvania, about nine miles southeast of Harrisburg. The airport is easily accessible from I-76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike), I-83, and I-81. If you're looking for a place to stay near the airport, here are some hotel options:

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Harrisburg International Airport

This hotel is located in Middletown, about 11 miles from the National Civil War Museum. It offers a range of amenities, including a fitness centre and private parking. The location is ideal for those who want to be within walking distance of the airport terminal.

Comfort Inn & Suites - Harrisburg Airport - Hershey South

Also located in Middletown, this Comfort Inn & Suites is about 11 miles from both the National Civil War Museum and the Pennsylvania State Capitol. In addition to comfortable beds and friendly staff, this hotel provides a good breakfast and is conveniently located near a gas station and drug store.

Wingate by Wyndham Harrisburg Near Hershey

A 17-minute drive from Hersheypark, this hotel offers free WiFi and a daily continental breakfast. It is located just off Interstate 283 and is about a 5-mile drive from Harrisburg International Airport.

Hampton Inn Harrisburg-East/Hershey

Located in Harrisburg, this hotel is about a 13-minute drive from Harrisburg International Airport. It features an outdoor swimming pool and free private parking. Each room comes with a 40-inch flat-screen TV with HBO.

These are just a few options, but there are several other hotels near Harrisburg International Airport that may suit your needs, offering a range of amenities and locations to choose from.

The airport's facilities and amenities

Harrisburg International Airport (HIA) is located in Middletown, Pennsylvania, about 9 miles (14 km) southeast of Harrisburg. It is the third-largest airport in the state and has been serving south-central Pennsylvania since the late 19th century. The airport is easily accessible, situated next to I-76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike), I-83, and I-81, providing efficient connections for the transfer of goods.

HIA boasts an impressive range of facilities and amenities designed to enhance the travel experience and provide a comfortable and convenient environment for passengers. The airport features ample parking options, including 2,504 parking spaces across three levels for Short-Term Hourly, Daily, and Long-Term public parking. The first level accommodates various transportation options such as limos, taxis, hotel shuttles, public and charter buses, and a rental car lot.

The first floor lobby of HIA offers essential services and conveniences for travellers. Here, you'll find six rental car counters, restrooms, flight and bus information displays, and a seating area. The second floor of the lobby features climate-controlled moving sidewalks that seamlessly connect to an aerial walkway leading to the terminal. HIA also provides easy access to public transportation, with the Capital Area Transit System's Route 7 running to downtown Harrisburg and surrounding areas.

For those seeking dining and shopping options, HIA offers a variety of choices. Passengers can enjoy a snack or pick up souvenirs from Central PA. The airport also features an observation deck where visitors can relax and watch planes arrive and depart. Additionally, therapeutic massage services are available for those looking to unwind before their flight.

HIA is known for its clean, quiet facilities and a user-friendly layout. The airport is praised for its friendly and helpful staff, contributing to a relaxing environment that makes travellers feel right at home. With its range of amenities and convenient location, Harrisburg International Airport provides a positive and memorable travel experience.

Frequently asked questions