Monroe, Louisiana: Airport Access And Travel Options

Monroe, Louisiana, is served by Monroe Regional Airport, a public airport located within the city limits, about six miles from the city centre. The airport is owned by the City of Monroe and is advertised as the birthplace of Delta Air Lines. It covers an area of 2,660 acres at an elevation of 79 feet above mean sea level and features two asphalt runways. The airport is served by several regional and commuter airlines, including Delta Connection, American Eagle, and United Express.

Monroe Regional Airport's history

Monroe Regional Airport (MLU) is a public-use airport in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, United States. The airport is owned by the City of Monroe and is located within the city limits, approximately 6 km east of its central business district. The airport is known as the birthplace of Delta Air Lines, with its logo being a variant of the Delta logo.

During World War II, the United States Army Air Forces Flying Training Command used the airport as a cadet training centre, beginning in August 1942. The airfield was named Selman Army Airfield, after a Navy Pilot, Lieutenant Augustus J. Selman, a native of Monroe, Louisiana, who died in an airplane crash in 1921. The majority of aircraft flown at Selman AAF were Beech C-45s, with BT-13s used for basic flying training, and TC-47 and TC-46s introduced in late 1944. The airfield closed on September 1, 1945, and was used as a separation centre for returning overseas personnel until being inactivated on May 31, 1946. The airport was returned to civil control on July 31, 1946.

Monroe Regional Airport covers an area of 2,660 acres at an elevation of 79 feet above mean sea level. It has two runways with asphalt surfaces. In 2009, construction began on a new 60,000-square-foot terminal, which was completed in 2011. The original terminal was demolished, and a new passenger terminal was constructed, including a new baggage claim and car rental facility.

Monroe Regional Airport has been served by several regional and commuter airlines over the years, including Delta Air Lines, Southern Airways, Royale Airlines, L'Express Airlines, Northwest Airlink, American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Express. These airlines offered nonstop or direct flights to various destinations, such as Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Memphis, and Chicago.

Airlines that fly from Monroe Regional Airport

Monroe, Louisiana, is served by Monroe Regional Airport (MLU), which is located within the city limits, approximately six miles from the city's centre. The airport is owned by the City of Monroe and is included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2011–2015, which categorised it as a primary commercial service airport.

Monroe Regional Airport is the birthplace of Delta Air Lines, and its logo is a variant of the Delta logo. The airport has two runways and, as of 2021, had 50 aircraft based there. Several regional and commuter airlines have served Monroe in the past, including Royale Airlines, which operated hubs at Houston Intercontinental Airport and New Orleans International Airport. Other airlines that have served Monroe in the past include Southern Airways, which merged with North Central Airlines to form Republic Airlines, which was then acquired by Northwest Airlines.

Today, Delta continues to operate flights from Monroe Regional Airport, with destinations including Atlanta, Miami, and Denver. American Airlines also operates flights from Monroe, with destinations such as Miami and Los Angeles. Monroe Regional Airport does not have any private lounges.

Hotels near Monroe Regional Airport

Monroe Regional Airport (MLU) is a public-use airport in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, United States. It is located within the city limits, approximately 6 miles from the centre of Monroe, LA. The airport is owned by the City of Monroe and covers an area of 2,660 acres at an elevation of 79 feet above mean sea level. Monroe Regional Airport is also known for being the birthplace of Delta Air Lines, with its logo being a variant of the Delta logo.

There are several hotels located near the airport, offering a range of accommodations for travellers. Here is a list of some hotels near Monroe Regional Airport:

Americas Best Value Inn Monroe

This 2-star hotel is located in Monroe and offers a range of amenities, including a 24-hour front desk, concierge services, and free WiFi. It is situated 3 miles from the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and provides easy access to the highway.

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites West Monroe

This IHG Hotel is situated in West Monroe, offering 2-star accommodations. It is within walking distance of the Ike Hamilton Expo Center and Malone Stadium. The hotel provides a clean and comfortable stay, with an excellent breakfast spread.

Super 8 by Wyndham Monroe

Super 8 by Wyndham offers 2-star accommodations in Monroe, located 3.4 miles from Malone Stadium and 8 miles from the Ike Hamilton Expo Center. It provides a convenient location and good value for money.

Wingate by Wyndham West Monroe

Located in West Monroe, Wingate by Wyndham is 2.3 miles from the Ike Hamilton Expo Center and 8.6 miles from Malone Stadium. It offers a convenient location and a delicious breakfast.

Motel 6-Monroe, LA

Motel 6-Monroe provides accommodations in Monroe, situated within a reasonable distance from local attractions such as Malone Stadium and the Ike Hamilton Expo Center. It offers decent rooms at a good price.

These are just a few options for hotels near Monroe Regional Airport. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can explore other options on travel booking websites or consider alternatives such as Airbnb.

Monroe Regional Airport during World War II

Monroe, Louisiana, is served by Monroe Regional Airport (MLU), a public-use airport in Ouachita Parish, owned by the City of Monroe. The airport is located within the city limits, approximately 6 km (3 nautical miles) east of its central business district. It covers an area of 2,660 acres at an elevation of 79 feet above mean sea level and features two asphalt runways.

During World War II, the airport played a significant role in supporting the war effort. From August 1942 until the end of the war in 1945, the United States Army Air Forces Flying Training Command utilised the airport as a cadet training centre. The airfield was renamed Selman Army Airfield (AAF) during this period, honouring Lieutenant Augustus J. Selman, a native of Monroe, Louisiana, who perished in an aircraft crash while serving in the Navy in 1921.

Selman AAF served as a crucial training ground for navigators, with Colonel Norris B. Harbold, a pioneer in navigation training, at its helm. Various aircraft were flown at the airfield, including Beech C-45s (AT-7s), BT-13s for basic flying training, and TC-47 and TC-46s introduced in 1944. The training centre produced 15,349 navigators, making a vital contribution to the war effort.

After the war, Selman AAF transitioned into a separation centre for returning overseas personnel until it was inactivated in May 1946. The airport was returned to civil control in July 1946, and commercial airline operations resumed. Monroe Regional Airport has a rich history, serving as the birthplace of Delta Airlines, and continues to provide essential aviation services to the region today.

Monroe Regional Airport's terminal

Monroe Regional Airport (MLU) is a public-use airport in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, United States. The airport is owned by the City of Monroe and is located within the city limits, approximately 6km east of its central business district. It is also known as the birthplace of Delta Air Lines, with its logo being a variant of the Delta logo.

The airport covers an area of 2,660 acres at an elevation of 79 feet above mean sea level. It has two runways with asphalt surfaces: 4/22, which is 7,504 by 150 feet, and 14/32, which is 6,301 by 150 feet. In 2021, the airport recorded 35,781 aircraft operations, averaging 98 per day. The airport had 50 aircraft based there in 2021: 35 single-engine, 8 multi-engine, 6 jet, and 1 helicopter.

In 2009, Lincoln Builders of Ruston began construction on a new 60,000-square-foot terminal, which was completed in 2011. The original terminal was demolished, and a new passenger terminal was constructed with improved baggage claim and car rental facilities. The new terminal is part of a two-phase passenger terminal project, with the first phase completed in October 2011.

Monroe Regional Airport has a rich history, serving as a cadet training centre for the United States Army Air Forces Flying Training Command during World War II. The airfield was named Selman Army Airfield after Lieutenant Augustus J. Selman, a native of Monroe who died in an airplane crash in 1921.

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