Idaho Falls Airport: A Small Hub With Big Impact

Idaho Falls Regional Airport, also known as Fanning Field, is the second busiest airport in Idaho, US, after Boise Airport. The airport covers 866 acres of land, with two asphalt runways, and is located two miles north-northwest of downtown Idaho Falls. Idaho Falls Regional Airport has seen record-setting numbers of passengers and in 2019, 175,028 non-stop segment passengers flew in and out. The airport has one restaurant, which has been remodelled and suffered a small fire in 2008.

Idaho Falls Regional Airport is two miles from Idaho Falls

Idaho Falls Regional Airport, also known locally as Fanning Field, is located just two miles from Idaho Falls, Idaho, in the United States. The airport is north-northwest of the city's downtown area.

The airport has seen record-setting numbers of passengers boarding flights in recent years and is preparing for one of its busiest seasons during the holidays. In 2019, 175,028 non-stop segment passengers flew in and out of Idaho Falls Airport. The airport has been awarded $2.5 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Terminal Program. This funding will help accommodate the increase in demand, with larger aircraft servicing the Delta Air Lines route to Salt Lake City International Airport.

Idaho Falls Regional Airport covers 866 acres of land at an elevation of 4,744 feet. It has two asphalt runways: 3/21, which is 9,012 feet by 150 feet, and 17/35, which is 4,051 feet by 75 feet. In 2010, the airport had 38,447 aircraft operations, averaging 105 per day. The breakdown of these operations was 74% general aviation, 19% air taxi, 6% airline, and 1% military.

The airport has a rich history, with a portion of the east side listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. This listing includes two contributing buildings and a structure on 4 acres of land: an aircraft hangar, an administrator or caretaker's cabin, and a beacon tower, surrounded by a landscaped area. The current terminal was built in 1959 and has seen several expansions and a partial rebuild over the years to accommodate smaller commercial aircraft.

The airport covers 866 acres at an elevation of 4,744 feet

The Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) is a sprawling aviation hub, covering 866 acres of land, which is roughly 350 hectares. This airport serves as a gateway to Idaho Falls and the surrounding Bonneville County, catering to a city with a population of around 67,000 residents. Sitting at an elevation of 4,744 feet, or 1,446 metres, Idaho Falls Regional Airport is a busy facility, recording 144,365 passenger boardings in 2010 and 175,028 non-stop segment passengers in 2019.

The airport's elevation and size are notable features, and its two asphalt runways accommodate a variety of aircraft. Runway 3/21 measures 9,012 feet by 150 feet (2,744 metres by 46 metres), while runway 17/35 spans 4,051 feet by 75 feet (1,235 metres by 23 metres). These runways handle a diverse range of air traffic, including general aviation, air taxi services, airlines, and even military flights.

Idaho Falls Regional Airport is a vital transportation hub for the region, witnessing record-setting numbers of passengers and aircraft operations. In 2010 alone, the airport managed 38,447 aircraft operations, averaging 105 flights per day. This includes general aviation, air taxi services, airline flights, and military operations.

The airport's size and elevation provide the necessary infrastructure to support this high volume of air traffic. Its two runways, each over a mile long, offer flexibility for different aircraft types and destinations. Idaho Falls Regional Airport's expansive acreage also allows for the necessary facilities and infrastructure to handle the increasing demand for air travel in the region.

The airport continues to experience growth and development, with larger aircraft servicing routes to destinations like Salt Lake City International Airport. As Idaho Falls Regional Airport attracts more passengers and airlines, its size and elevation will remain crucial to ensuring safe and efficient operations.

It has two asphalt runways

Idaho Falls Regional Airport, also known as Fanning Field, is located two miles north-northwest of downtown Idaho Falls, Idaho, United States. It is the second-busiest airport in Idaho, after Boise Airport, and has been seeing record-setting numbers of passengers.

The airport covers 866 acres of land at an elevation of 4,744 feet. It has two asphalt runways. Runway 3/21 measures 9,012 feet in length and 150 feet in width, while runway 17/35 is 4,051 feet long and 75 feet wide. These runways can accommodate a variety of aircraft, from small private planes to larger commercial jets.

The two asphalt runways at Idaho Falls Regional Airport are essential for the airport's operations and contribute to the airport's ability to handle a high volume of air traffic. The runways are maintained to ensure smooth and safe takeoffs and landings, and they are equipped with the necessary lighting and markings to facilitate operations during different weather conditions and visibility levels.

The length and width of the runways are carefully designed to accommodate different aircraft types. Runway 3/21, with its longer length, can handle larger aircraft, such as jets, while runway 17/35 is suitable for smaller planes. This flexibility allows the airport to serve a diverse range of aviation needs, from general aviation to commercial flights.

In addition to the asphalt runways, Idaho Falls Regional Airport also has the necessary infrastructure to support efficient aircraft operations. This includes taxiways, aprons, and other ground handling facilities. The airport's layout and design ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft to and from the runways, contributing to the overall functionality and success of the airport as a regional transportation hub.

The airport had 175,028 non-stop passengers in 2019

The Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) is located two miles north-northwest of downtown Idaho Falls, Idaho, United States. Covering 866 acres of land, the airport has two asphalt runways, with the larger one being 9,012 feet long and 150 feet wide. IDA is the second busiest airport in Idaho, with a record-breaking number of passengers in 2022, surpassing the previous record set in 2019.

In 2019, the airport had 175,028 non-stop passengers, a significant increase from 2018 and a record-setting number at the time. This can be attributed to the airport's efforts to improve its facilities and attract more airlines and direct flights. IDA has been working to expand its infrastructure, improve parking, and renovate its customer check-in and baggage handling areas. These improvements have made the airport more accessible and convenient for travellers, contributing to the increase in non-stop passengers.

The Idaho Falls Regional Airport has a history of airline service dating back to National Parks Airways in 1934-35. Over the years, various airlines have served the airport, including Western Air Express/Western Airlines (until 1987), Republic Airlines (1979-1986), Horizon Air (starting in 1983), and Big Sky Airlines (briefly in 2002-2003). These airlines offered direct flights to destinations like Boise, Denver, and Seattle, increasing the airport's connectivity and accessibility.

IDA has also been proactive in addressing issues such as fraudulent websites offering e-visas and ensuring that passengers follow regulations regarding firearms in carry-on baggage. By providing accurate information and reminders, the airport contributes to a safer and more secure travel experience for its passengers.

The airport's success in attracting passengers and setting records has led to further expansion plans. In 2025, the airport is expected to begin its largest terminal upgrade in history, with a projected cost of $65 million. This upgrade will likely include improvements to the terminal, ticket counters, and baggage handling areas, enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers.

It is the second-busiest airport in Idaho

Idaho Falls Regional Airport, locally known as Fanning Field, is the second-busiest airport in Idaho after Boise Airport. The airport is located two miles north-northwest of downtown Idaho Falls, which is a city of roughly 67,000 residents along the banks of the Snake River.

The airport has seen record-setting numbers of passengers in recent years, with 148,584 passenger boardings in 2008, 138,957 in 2009, and 144,365 in 2010, according to Federal Aviation Administration records. In 2019, the number of non-stop segment passengers flying in and out of Idaho Falls Airport was 175,028. The airport continues to experience an increase in demand, leading to the use of larger aircraft to service routes to destinations like Salt Lake City International Airport.

Idaho Falls Regional Airport covers 866 acres of land at an elevation of 4,744 feet. It features two asphalt runways: 3/21, which is 9,012 feet by 150 feet, and 17/35, which is 4,051 feet by 75 feet. In 2010, the airport recorded 38,447 aircraft operations, averaging 105 per day, with 74% general aviation, 19% air taxi, 6% airline, and 1% military.

The airport has a rich history, with the first airline flights arriving as early as 1934-1935 through National Parks Airways. The airport terminal has undergone several expansions and a partial rebuild over the years, with the current terminal built in 1959. A historic portion on the east side of the airport, including an aircraft hangar, an administrator's cabin, and a beacon tower, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.

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