Springfield, Missouri: Airport Or No Airport?

Springfield, Missouri is served by the Springfield-Branson National Airport, also known by its airport code, SGF. The airport has a gallery showcasing regional artists, made-to-order dining, modern retailers, and convenient parking. During World War II, the airport was used to fly wounded soldiers to O'Reilly General Hospital, and in 1945, it was renamed the Springfield Municipal Airport. In 2021, the airport saw 47,565 aircraft operations, averaging 130 per day.

Springfield-Branson National Airport

Springfield, Missouri is served by the Springfield-Branson National Airport, also known by its IATA code SGF. The airport has been in operation since 1945 and has been renamed several times. It was originally known as the Springfield-Greene County Airport, but due to disagreements between the city and county governments, the City of Springfield took full control and renamed it the Springfield Municipal Airport. It later became the Springfield-Branson National Airport, likely to capitalise on the tourist industry of the nearby city of Branson, Missouri. Despite this, Branson is not involved in the operation or funding of the airport.

The airport has seen several expansions and upgrades over the years to accommodate increasing passenger numbers. In 1960, a new terminal was built, and in 2005, the airport saw a 23% year-over-year increase in passengers, leading to the construction of the Midfield Terminal, which opened in 2009. The new terminal was renamed the Roy Blunt Terminal in honour of Missouri Senator Roy Blunt.

In the year ending December 31, 2021, the airport had 47,565 aircraft operations, averaging 130 per day. The airport is also home to an Army National Guard unit, the 35th Combat Aviation Brigade, which operates a variety of helicopters and airplanes.

Airport facilities and services

Springfield, Missouri is served by the Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF). The airport has a rich history, dating back to World War II when it played a crucial role in transporting wounded soldiers. Over the years, it has undergone multiple expansions and renovations to accommodate the growing passenger numbers and improve its facilities.

The Springfield-Branson National Airport offers a range of facilities and services to ensure a comfortable and convenient experience for travellers. Here are some of the key features:

• Non-stop Flights: The airport provides non-stop flights to ten cities through four airlines: Allegiant, American, Delta, and United. This makes it easier for passengers to connect to various destinations across the globe with just one connection.
• Terminals: The airport has a main terminal, known as the Roy Blunt Terminal, named after Missouri Senator Roy Blunt. This terminal offers a range of amenities, including dining options, retail stores, and a gallery showcasing regional artists.
• Dining: Springfield-Branson National Airport boasts made-to-order dining options, ensuring that travellers can enjoy a fresh and delicious meal before their flight.
• Retail: The airport features modern retailers, allowing travellers to engage in some last-minute shopping or purchase any essential items they may need for their trip.
• Parking: Ample parking is available at the airport, providing a safe and convenient place for travellers to leave their vehicles during their trip.
• Ground Transportation: Travellers can easily access ground transportation options, including rental cars, taxis, and shuttle services, making it convenient to get to and from the airport.
• Hotels: Nearby hotels, such as the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Springfield, offer easy access to the airport and provide comfortable accommodations for travellers with complimentary shuttle services.
• Art Gallery: The airport showcases the talent of regional artists by displaying their work in an art gallery, providing a unique cultural experience for travellers passing through.
• Efficiency: The airport prides itself on providing a safe and efficient travel experience, with friendly staff and accessible information to ensure a smooth journey for all passengers.

These facilities and services at the Springfield-Branson National Airport contribute to a welcoming and convenient travel experience for both visitors and locals departing from or arriving in Springfield, Missouri.

History of the airport

Springfield, Missouri is served by the Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF), which is located five miles (8.0 km) northwest of the city, in Greene County. The airport has a rich history dating back several decades.

The earliest recorded flight in Springfield took place in 1916 at the old fairgrounds near Phelps Grove Park. Almost a decade later, in 1925, McCluer Flying Field was opened on East Division Street as a private airport. It served as Springfield's only airport until 1945. In 1928, the City of Springfield purchased McCluer Flying Field and renamed it Springfield Park and Airport. Commercial air service began in 1929, with American Airlines, Transcontinental and Western, and other carriers offering flights.

However, as planes increased in size, the short and unpaved runways of the Springfield Airport posed challenges for the expansion of commercial air service. This issue became particularly evident during World War II, when the airport struggled to accommodate large military planes carrying wounded soldiers en route to the O'Reilly General Hospital. In October 1942, voters in Springfield approved a $350,000 bond issue to construct a new airport, with work commencing in 1944. Additional bonds totalling $150,000 were approved in 1945 to complete the project.

The new airport, initially named the Springfield-Greene County Airport, opened for business on July 2, 1945. However, due to disagreements between the city and county governments over finances, the City of Springfield assumed full control and renamed it the Springfield Municipal Airport. American Airlines resumed commercial service to the airport in early 1946.

In 1960, voters in Springfield approved a $600,000 bond issue for the construction of a new terminal, which opened in October 1964. Over the years, the terminal underwent multiple expansions to accommodate the growing number of passengers. In 2005, the airport witnessed a significant 23% year-over-year increase in passenger traffic, leading to the construction of a new Midfield Terminal, which opened in May 2009. The airport celebrated another milestone in the same month by inaugurating its first scheduled service to the West Coast with Allegiant Air service to Los Angeles.

The airport has continued to thrive and expand, serving over 993,000 passengers in 2017, just shy of the 1-million benchmark. In 2018, the airport surpassed this milestone, serving 1 million passengers for the first time. The Midfield Terminal was renamed the Roy Blunt Terminal in honour of Missouri Senator Roy Blunt.

Aircraft operations and statistics

Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) in Springfield, Missouri, offers non-stop flights to ten cities via four airlines: Allegiant, American, Delta, and United. In comparison, the average number of non-stop flight destinations for airports of a similar size is seven. The airport also offers connecting flights to Asia and Europe with just one stop through Chicago, Dallas, or Atlanta.

The airport covers 2,750 acres (1,110 ha) and has two runways: 14/32, asphalt/concrete, 8,000 ft × 150 ft (2,438 m × 46 m); and 2/20, concrete, 7,003 ft × 150 ft (2,135 m × 46 m). In the year ending December 31, 2021, the airport recorded 47,565 aircraft operations, averaging 130 per day. These operations were categorized as 44% general aviation, 27% air taxi, 6% military, and 22% airline.

In terms of aircraft based at the airport, there are 142 in total, including 87 single-engine, 10 multi-engine, 33 jet, 2 helicopters, and 10 military. Additionally, an Army National Guard unit, the 35th Combat Aviation Brigade, is based at Springfield–Branson. This unit operates a variety of aircraft, including attack helicopters, observation helicopters, utility helicopters, cargo airplanes, and a transport airplane.

Springfield-Branson National Airport has a strong focus on safety and reliability. In December 2021, a new $11 million aircraft maintenance hangar opened, catering to bigger aircraft like the Embraer E175. This hangar is leased to Envoy Air, a subsidiary of American Airlines, ensuring the retention of 75 quality jobs and the potential for future expansion and additional jobs.

Location and contact details

Springfield, Missouri is served by the Springfield-Branson National Airport, often abbreviated to SGF. The airport is located at 2300 N. Airport Blvd Springfield, MO 65802, with the street address listed as Saint Louis St., Suite 100 Springfield, MO 65806. The airport has a range of amenities, including a gallery showcasing regional artists, made-to-order dining, modern retailers, and convenient parking.

The airport has a long history, dating back to World War II when it was used to receive wounded soldiers. At that time, it was known as the Springfield-Greene County Airport. However, due to disagreements between the city and county governments, the city of Springfield took full control and renamed it the Springfield Municipal Airport. Over the years, the airport has undergone multiple expansions and renovations, including the addition of a new terminal in 1964 and the Midfield Terminal, now named the Roy Blunt Terminal, in 2009.

Springfield-Branson National Airport offers nonstop flights to 15 destinations across the United States, including five of the nation's largest hub airports. The airport also provides convenient access to Branson, Missouri, a popular tourist destination. In 2021, the airport handled over 47,000 aircraft operations, with an average of 130 flights per day.

The airport can be contacted through various means, including their website and phone. Specific contact details for different departments and services can be found on their official website.

Frequently asked questions