Joplin, Missouri: Airport Or No Airport?

Joplin, Missouri, is served by the Joplin Regional Airport (IATA: JLN, ICAO: KJLN, FAA LID: JLN). The airport is located four miles (6.4 km) north of Joplin, in Jasper County, Missouri, and is owned and operated by the City of Joplin. Joplin Regional Airport covers 970 acres (390 ha) and has two runways, with more than 100 aircraft based at the airport.

Joplin Regional Airport's location and transport links

Joplin Regional Airport, also known as JLN, is located in Joplin, Missouri, near the state's borders with Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The airport is owned and operated by the City of Joplin, with oversight from the Joplin Regional Airport Board, a seven-member body appointed by the Joplin City Council.

Joplin Regional Airport serves the local region with commercial flight services, offering direct flights to Dallas/Fort Worth and connecting passengers to other destinations. The airport is vital for travellers, improving regional connectivity and supporting local businesses, tourism, and residents' and visitors' links to national and international hubs.

The terminal at Joplin Regional Airport provides basic amenities, including parking, car rental services, and cab services. The airport's location near the borders of three other states makes it a convenient option for travellers from multiple regions.

In terms of transport links, the airport is located just off Interstate 44, providing easy access for those driving to and from the airport. Additionally, the airport offers car rental services for those who need a vehicle during their stay in Joplin. For those using public transportation, the airport's website recommends arriving at least one hour before the scheduled departure to allow enough time to check-in and clear security.

Joplin Regional Airport's history

Joplin Regional Airport (IATA: JLN, ICAO: KJLN, FAA LID: JLN) is located four miles (6.4 km) north of Joplin, in Jasper County, Missouri, United States. The airport is owned and operated by the City of Joplin, with oversight from the seven-member Joplin Regional Airport Board, appointed by the Joplin City Council.

The airport has a long history of providing air service to the region, dating back to the mid-1940s when American Airlines operated a route between Dallas and Chicago, with Joplin as one of its many stops. In the 1950s and 1960s, Central Airlines and Ozark Airlines served the airport, with Ozark introducing the first jets to Joplin in 1968 with the Douglas DC-9. Central Airlines merged with Frontier Airlines in 1967, and Frontier continued to serve the airport until 1984. Ozark Airlines also had a long presence at the airport, operating from 1950 until 1986.

Joplin Regional Airport has two runways: one asphalt and one concrete. It covers 970 acres (390 ha) at an elevation of 978 feet (298 m). In 2022, the airport handled 17,868 aircraft operations, with an average of 49 per day. The majority of these were general aviation (86%), followed by air taxi (13%), military (1%), and airline operations (1%).

The airport has 128 aircraft based on its premises, including 105 single-engine, 10 multi-engine, 8 jets, 2 helicopters, and 3 ultralights. The fixed-base operator (FBO) is Mizzou Aviation, located near the General Aviation terminal. Joplin Regional Airport has a strong focus on its environmental impact and zoning, viewing it as an essential aspect of corporate citizenship.

Joplin Regional Airport's runways and aircraft operations

Joplin, Missouri, is served by the Joplin Regional Airport, also known by its code JLN. The airport is defined as a commercial service airport with scheduled air carrier service and is considered a Primary Airport by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Joplin Regional Airport has three runways: Runways 13/31 and 18/36 are transport category runways with a C-III Airport Reference Code. This accommodates aircraft with approach speeds of between 124 and 141 knots and a wingspan of between 79 and 117 feet. These runways are designed for large aircraft such as the Airbus A320 series, Boeing 737 series, and the Boeing MD80/MD90/717 series. Runway 5/23 is a general utility category runway with an Airport Reference Code of A-I. This runway is designed for smaller aircraft with approach speeds of less than 91 knots and a wingspan of up to 49 feet. These include single and some light twin general aviation aircraft.

The airport is owned and operated by the City of Joplin, with oversight provided by the Joplin Regional Airport Board, a body appointed by the Joplin City Council. The airport is taking steps to enhance its safety operations, including the construction of a new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) building to house two ARFF trucks. This new facility will be located near the control tower, improving response times to emergencies. The airport also has a comprehensive Master Plan Update that outlines a strategy for its continued development.

Joplin Regional Airport's economic impact

Joplin, Missouri, is served by the Joplin Regional Airport, which is located four miles (6.4 km) north of the city in Jasper County. The airport covers 970 acres of land at an elevation of 978 feet and has two runways. Joplin Regional Airport is owned and operated by the City of Joplin and overseen by the Joplin Regional Airport Board, a seven-member body appointed by the Joplin City Council.

The airport has a significant economic impact on the local and regional economy. While smaller compared to major city airports, Joplin Regional Airport and other similar regional general aviation airports have a substantial economic influence. The general aviation industry in the US generates $219 billion in total economic input and contributes $109 billion to the nation's GDP. These airports support 1.1 million jobs and help smaller communities like Joplin attract business and tourism.

Joplin Regional Airport itself has received grants to improve its infrastructure, including a grant of over $7.5 million to reconstruct a taxiway. The airport had 17,868 aircraft operations in the year ending December 31, 2022, with an average of 49 operations per day. 86% of these were general aviation, with the rest being air taxi, military, and airline operations. As of 2023, 128 aircraft were based at the airport, with the majority being single-engine.

The airport's vision is to be a champion for exceptional customer service and economic vitality in the greater Joplin area. It aims to promote innovation and progress in air transportation in the region. The airport has prepared a comprehensive Master Plan Update to guide its continued development, operational efficiency, and business effectiveness.

Joplin Regional Airport's amenities

Joplin, Missouri, is served by the Joplin Regional Airport, owned and operated by the City of Joplin. The airport has undergone significant changes in recent years, including the construction of a new Air Traffic Control Tower and Commercial Terminal facilities. The new ATC facility stands at 90 feet tall and is equipped with the latest technology for efficient air traffic control and monitoring. The $15 million terminal facility offers the full range of services expected of a large airport, providing convenience and affordability for travellers.

The airport actively serves the commercial, military, cargo, general aviation, and corporate aviation needs of southwestern Missouri. It covers 970 acres and features two runways, with more than 100 aircraft based at the facility. The Commercial Terminal is located at 7331 N. Highway 43, easily accessible by road. The General Aviation entrance is located half a mile east of the same intersection off Highway 171.

Joplin Regional Airport provides daily non-stop regional jet service to Denver International Airport and Chicago O'Hare, operated by Skywest Airlines. This service offers travellers a cost-effective option, particularly with the volatility of gasoline prices, making it a convenient choice for connections.

The airport also offers a range of amenities to enhance the traveller experience. Car rental services are available on-site through Hertz and Avis, providing convenience for travellers upon their arrival. Mizzou Aviation, the airport's fixed-base operator, offers a comprehensive range of services, including fuelling, charter, and aircraft services, as well as flight instruction for those seeking aviation education.

Frequently asked questions