Midland Texas: Airport Accessibility And Convenience

Midland, Texas is served by the Midland International Airport (MAF), which is located between Midland and Odessa. The airport covers 1,600 acres of land and is situated approximately nine miles southwest of Midland's city centre.

Midland International Airport's history

Midland International Airport (MAF) is located about halfway between Midland and Odessa, Texas, approximately nine miles southwest of Midland's city centre. It is the eighth-busiest airport in Texas. The airport's full name is Midland International Air and Space Port, reflecting its status as the first facility in the United States licensed for both commercial airline flights and commercial spaceship flights.

The City of Midland annexed the land on which the airport is located in 1946, with a piece that became part of a runway annexed in 1964. The Midland-Odessa Regional Airport opened its new passenger terminal in the early 1960s, served by Continental Airlines, Trans-Texas Airways, and American Airlines until 1963. The first jets to use the airport were Continental Boeing 707s in 1965. The terminal featured a unique scalloped roofline, allowing for a column-free interior, with all services located inside the building. The oil boom of the late 1970s brought increased economic activity to the region, leading to more flights and the arrival of new airlines, including Southwest Airlines and America West.

In 1983, a Texas Western Aviation Beechcraft King Air crashed during its final approach to MAF after initiating a go-around. Despite this tragedy, the airport continued to expand and improve its facilities. In 1987, a new gate area was constructed, featuring four second-level gates with jet bridges, concession space, and escalator wells connecting the new addition to the existing terminal.

In 1991, the Commemorative Air Force (formerly the Confederate Air Force) moved to Midland and began holding an annual airshow featuring its warbird aircraft at the airport. Over the years, the airport has continued to attract new airlines and improve its infrastructure to accommodate increasing air traffic. In 2012, the Midland City Council took a significant step towards the airport's spaceport ambitions by allowing a team of experts to prepare and submit a commercial space launch site application. This effort culminated in the Federal Aviation Administration's formal approval on September 17, 2014, making Midland International Airport the first primary commercial service airport to be certified as a spaceport.

The spaceport's original purpose was to serve as a test site for XCOR Aerospace's reusable winged commercial space vehicle, the XCOR Lynx. XCOR had planned to offer commercial space flights from this location. However, XCOR has since gone out of business, and the Midland Development Corp. is now seeking other space companies to utilise the facilities. Despite this setback, Midland International Airport continues to play a crucial role in both aviation and space exploration, solidifying its place in the history of Midland, Texas.

Airlines and destinations

Midland International Airport (MAF) is located in Midland, Texas, approximately nine miles southwest of the city centre. The airport covers 1,600 acres of land and has four asphalt runways. It is also known as Midland International Air and Space Port.

Midland International Airport is served by several airlines, including Southwest Airlines, American Eagle, Continental Express, and New Mexico Airlines. Southwest Airlines is the largest carrier operating at the airport. The airport offers direct flights to various destinations within the United States, including Dallas-Love, Houston-Intercontinental, and Houston-Hobby. Other destinations served by the airport include Las Vegas and Hobbs Lea County Regional Airport. Additionally, the airport provides international services and is a Customs Port of Entry for international trips, with a US Customs Office open daily during the week and available by appointment on weekends.

The airport has a diverse range of dining and retail options, as well as essential services such as ATMs, postal services, shoeshine, recharging stations, and Wi-Fi. For transportation to and from the airport, travellers can choose from various options, including taxis, car rentals, buses, and hotel shuttles. There are also numerous accommodation choices nearby, with over 20 hotels and motels within an eight-mile radius of the airport.

Midland International Airport has a rich history, dating back to the 1930s when Midland businessmen envisioned the potential for a military base in West Texas. In the 1940s, it became a training base known as Midland Army Air Field, playing a significant role in training bombardier officers during World War II. The airport has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, including the construction of a new terminal in the 1990s to replace the older one. Today, it caters to both personal and industrial travel needs, serving as a strategic Port of Entry and Inland Port.

Amenities and services

Midland International Air and Space Port (MAF) in Texas offers a range of amenities and services for travellers. The airport is located approximately nine miles from the city centre of Midland and is easily accessible by various transportation options.

For travellers arriving at MAF, ground transportation options include taxis, shared-ride shuttle services, long-distance buses, and free hotel shuttles. There are also several rental car companies with onsite counters, providing convenient access to vehicles during your stay.

MAF offers ample parking options, including economy, short-term, long-term, surface, and covered parking. The airport is served by major airlines such as American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, with direct flights to key centres like Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Las Vegas, and Denver.

The terminal at MAF is equipped with various amenities to enhance the passenger experience. These include dining options, retail stores, ATMs, postal services, shoeshine services, recharging stations, and free Wi-Fi. There is also a variety of lodging, restaurants, and entertainment options located adjacent to the airport.

Additionally, MAF has a unique position in the aviation and aerospace industries, supporting local tourism and serving as a critical gateway for West Texas residents and visitors. The airport also has a historical significance, with the first airplane built and flown in Texas, the "Pliska", on display in the terminal over the baggage claim area.

Transport to and from the airport

Midland International Airport (MAF) is located approximately nine miles southwest of Midland's city centre. There are several transport options for travellers to and from the airport.

Taxis are readily available for travellers who prefer a quick and convenient trip to their destination. Car rental agencies are also located within the airport terminal, offering a range of vehicles to suit different needs. For those who wish to drive themselves, there are various parking options available at the airport, including economy, short-term, long-term, surface, and covered parking.

Another option is to use one of the many bus services that operate between the airport and the city. These buses provide connections to various locations within Midland, making it a convenient choice for those who want an affordable and flexible mode of transportation.

Additionally, hotel shuttles are available for travellers staying at hotels near the airport. There are over 20 hotel and motel options within eight miles of the airport, providing convenient access and a comfortable stay for travellers passing through Midland.

For those seeking a more luxurious or personalised experience, limousine services and private transfer companies also operate in the area. These can be booked in advance to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey to and from the airport.

Hotels near the airport

Midland International Airport (MAF) is located approximately nine miles southwest of Midland's city centre in Texas. There are over 20 hotel and motel options within eight miles of the airport, some of which include:

Tru by Hilton Midland

This 3-star hotel is located just off Business Interstate 20, a 15-minute drive from Midland International Airport. It offers air-conditioned rooms with balconies and free Wi-Fi, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, and a shared lounge.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Midland

This 3-star hotel is located in Midland and offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and free WiFi. It is eight miles from Midland International Airport.

Comfort Suites Midland West

This Midland hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and is located near Midland International Airport.

Suburban Extended Stay Hotel

This hotel is located near Midland International Airport and offers free WiFi and breakfast.

Four Points by Sheraton Midland

This hotel is located near Midland International Airport.

Frequently asked questions