Wichita Falls Airport: Does It Exist?

Wichita Falls Regional Airport is a public and military airport located six miles north of Wichita Falls, Texas. The airport, which opened in 1928, covers 3,800 acres of land and is elevated 1,019 feet. While most of its operations are military, American Eagle operates commercial flights to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

Wichita Falls Regional Airport's history

Wichita Falls Regional Airport is a public and military airport serving Wichita Falls in Wichita County, Texas. Its runways and taxiways are shared with the Sheppard Air Force Base, with most of its operations being military. However, American Eagle operates commercial flights to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

The airport was originally named Kell Field, after Frank Kell, a prominent financier and builder from Wichita Falls. C.W. Calhoun served as the first president of the Wichita Falls Airport Corporation. Wichita Falls' first airport was constructed on 240 acres of land purchased from J.A. Kemp in January 1928, with construction of airplane hangars beginning later that month. The airport opened on 4 July 1928, with two U.S. Army planes from Brooks Air Force Base in San Antonio being the first to land.

Braniff Airways began serving the Wichita Falls Municipal Airport on 13 November 1930, operating an Amarillo-Wichita Falls-Dallas route until 1969. Continental Airlines served the airport from 1946 until 1977, operating a route between El Paso and Tulsa with stops at Midland/Odessa, Lubbock, Lawton, and Oklahoma City. In 1977, Continental Airlines requested to end its service at the airport, with Metro Airlines taking over its operations.

Texas International Airlines began jet service to the airport in 1968 with seven daily flights operated by McDonnell Douglas DC-9 jetliners. Texas Star Airlines served the airport from 1981 until 1983, offering flights to Dallas Love Field, Austin, Fort Worth Meacham Airport, and Brownsville. However, they discontinued service due to low passenger numbers. Trans-Central Airlines and Air Spirit Airlines also briefly served Wichita Falls before ceasing operations in 1984 and 1985, respectively.

Atlantic Southeast Airlines, branded as Delta Connection, began serving Wichita Falls in 1986 with flights to Dallas-Fort Worth. However, these flights ended in 2001 due to a lack of profitability. As a result, American Airlines became the sole carrier offering scheduled commercial service to Wichita Falls.

Airlines that serve the airport

Wichita Falls Regional Airport (SPS) is located six miles north of Wichita Falls in Wichita County, Texas. The airport operates as both a public and military facility, sharing runways and taxiways with Sheppard Air Force Base. While most operations are military-focused, several commercial airlines have served the airport over the years.

Braniff Airways

Braniff Airways was one of the first commercial airlines to serve Wichita Falls, beginning on November 13, 1930. The airline operated an Amarillo-Wichita Falls-Dallas route until 1969 when it was allowed to discontinue its service in favour of operating a new route with larger jets.

Texas Star Airlines

Texas Star Airlines began serving Wichita Falls in 1981, providing service to and from Dallas Love Field, Austin, Fort Worth Meacham Airport, and Brownsville. However, the airline discontinued its service at Wichita Falls just two years later due to low passenger numbers.

Trans-Central Airlines

Trans-Central Airlines had a brief stint serving Wichita Falls, operating for only a few months before ceasing operations in 1984.

Air Spirit Airlines

Air Spirit Airlines also served Wichita Falls for a short period, operating from 1984 to 1985 before going out of business.

Atlantic Southeast Airlines

Atlantic Southeast Airlines, branded as Delta Connection, began serving Wichita Falls in 1986 with flights to Dallas-Fort Worth. However, these flights were discontinued in 2001 due to a lack of profitability.

American Airlines

American Airlines is the current commercial carrier operating at Wichita Falls Regional Airport, providing scheduled flights to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

Passenger numbers at the airport

Wichita Falls does have an airport, the Wichita Falls Regional Airport, which is located about six miles north of the city in Wichita County, Texas. The airport is used for both public and military purposes, with most operations being military. The airport's runways and taxiways are shared with the Sheppard Air Force Base.

Passenger numbers at Wichita Falls Regional Airport have fluctuated over the years, with available records from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) showing variations in passenger boardings, or 'enplanements', between 2008 and 2010. In 2008, the airport recorded 47,191 passenger boardings, which decreased to 43,952 in 2009. There was a slight increase in 2010, with 44,296 passengers boarding flights at the airport.

The history of commercial airlines serving Wichita Falls Regional Airport is varied. Braniff Airways provided service from 1930 until 1969, operating an Amarillo-Wichita Falls-Dallas route. However, this route was discontinued when Braniff transitioned to using larger jets that seated twice as many passengers, making the route less viable. Texas Star Airlines also served the airport from 1981 but discontinued service just two years later due to low passenger numbers, averaging only one or two passengers per flight.

Other airlines with a brief presence at the airport include Trans-Central Airlines, which served Wichita Falls for a few months until it ceased operations in 1984, and Air Spirit Airlines, which operated for a few months before going out of business in 1985. Atlantic Southeast Airlines, branded as Delta Connection, began serving the airport in 1986 but ended its service in 2001 due to a lack of profitability. As a result of these changes, American Airlines became the sole carrier offering scheduled commercial service to Wichita Falls.

The airport's elevation and size

Wichita Falls Regional Airport is located six miles north of Wichita Falls in Wichita County, Texas. The airport covers 3,800 acres (1,500 ha) at an elevation of 1,019 feet (311 m). It was originally named Kell Field, in honour of Frank Kell, a prominent financier and builder from Wichita Falls. Wichita Falls Airport first opened on 4 July 1928, with two U.S. Army planes from Brooks Air Force Base in San Antonio becoming the first aircraft to land there.

The airport was constructed on 240 acres (97 ha) of land purchased from J.A. Kemp in January 1928. The first president of the Wichita Falls Airport Corporation was C.W. Calhoun. The airport was initially privately owned, but it was later sold to the City of Wichita Falls. Commercial air services began operating from the airport in November 1930, with Braniff Airways providing an Amarillo-Wichita Falls-Dallas route. This service continued until 1969, when it was discontinued due to the introduction of new, larger aircraft by Braniff Airways.

Over the years, several airlines have served Wichita Falls Regional Airport, including Continental Airlines (1946-1977), Texas International Airlines (starting in 1968), Texas Star Airlines (1981-1983), Trans-Central Airlines (1984), Air Spirit Airlines (1985), and Atlantic Southeast Airlines (branded as Delta Connection, 1986-2001). However, many of these airlines discontinued their services due to low passenger numbers and a lack of profitability.

Today, American Eagle is the primary carrier offering scheduled commercial services to and from Wichita Falls Regional Airport, with flights to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. The airport is also utilised by the military, sharing runways and taxiways with the Sheppard Air Force Base.

Commercial flights from Wichita Falls

Wichita Falls, Texas, is served by Wichita Falls Regional Airport, which is located around 4 miles from the city centre. The airport is also known as Sheppard Air Force Base, as its runways and taxiways are shared with the military base. The airport is categorised as a primary commercial service airport, and American Eagle operates commercial flights to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

Historically, Wichita Falls has been served by several airlines, including Braniff Airways, which operated from 1930 until 1969, and Texas Star Airlines, which served the airport from 1981 to 1983. Trans-Central Airlines and Air Spirit Airlines each served the airport for a few months before ceasing operations in 1984 and 1985, respectively. Atlantic Southeast Airlines, branded as Delta Connection, served Wichita Falls from 1986 until 2001, when it ended service due to a lack of profitability.

Today, American Airlines is the primary carrier offering scheduled commercial service to Wichita Falls. The airline offers flights to and from destinations such as San Antonio, Los Angeles, and Lawton-Fort Sill Regional Airport. In addition to American Airlines, there are other airlines that offer flights to Wichita Falls, including cheap flights from carriers such as Travelocity. These flights often depart from major cities across the United States, including New York, Los Angeles, and San Antonio.

When planning a trip to Wichita Falls, it is important to note that there is no public transportation servicing the airport. Therefore, travellers will need to arrange alternative transportation, such as a rental car, taxi, or shuttle service. However, the airport's proximity to the city centre makes it a convenient option for those visiting Wichita Falls.

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