Jazmin Li
The Jackson–Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (IATA: JAN, ICAO: KJAN, FAA LID: JAN) is the only commercial airport serving Jackson, Mississippi. Located approximately 6 miles from downtown Jackson, the airport is named after Medgar Wiley Evers, a civil rights leader and the assassinated Mississippi Field Secretary for the NAACP. The airport is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and offers travellers a range of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, restaurants, and art displays by local artists. With two 8,500-foot runways, the airport has direct flights to several destinations, including Nashville, Atlanta, and Charlotte.
What You'll Learn
The airport is 6 miles from downtown Jackson
The Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (IATA: JAN, ICAO: KJAN, FAA LID: JAN) is located approximately 6 miles from downtown Jackson, Mississippi. The airport is situated in Rankin County, across the Pearl River, and is the only commercial airport serving the city of Jackson.
The airport is named after Medgar Wiley Evers, a civil rights advocate and the Mississippi Field Secretary for the NAACP during the Civil Rights Movement. It was previously known as the Jackson International Airport and, before that, the Jackson Municipal Airport. The airport first opened in 1963, replacing Hawkins Field, which had been Jackson's airport since 1928.
Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport offers a range of amenities for travellers, including free WiFi, pet areas, local art displays, souvenirs, and dining options. The airport also features an inspiring pavilion dedicated to Medgar Wiley Evers, celebrating his legacy and Mississippi's role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Navigating the airport is straightforward, and travellers can take advantage of the TSA PreCheck programme to expedite their security process. The airport is served by various taxi and car services, and parking options are available, including garage parking and long-term parking. Real-time parking information can be obtained by calling the airport.
The airport is easily accessible, located about 6 miles from downtown Jackson, making it convenient for travellers heading to or from the city.
Applying for Uber Airport: A Comprehensive Guide
You may want to see also
It has two 8,500-foot runways
The Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (IATA: JAN, ICAO: KJAN, FAA LID: JAN) is a fairly sizeable airport. It has two 8,500-foot runways, capable of accommodating large aircraft. The airport is located approximately 6 miles from downtown Jackson, Mississippi, and is the sole commercial airport serving the city.
The airport's history dates back to the 1960s when Southern Airways Martin 404s connected Jackson with nearby cities like Natchez, Vicksburg, and Greenwood. Over the years, the airport has undergone various name changes and expansions to become the international airport it is today.
Today, the airport offers a range of amenities for travellers, including free WiFi, pet areas, local art displays, and a variety of dining and shopping options. The airport is also home to an inspiring pavilion dedicated to the legacy of civil rights leader Medgar Wiley Evers, for whom the airport is partly named.
The Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and provides a streamlined travel experience with efficient security processes and friendly staff. With its two long runways, the airport can accommodate various aircraft, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for both business and leisure travellers passing through Mississippi.
Global Entry at Dublin Airport: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
It's open 24/7, 365 days a year
Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (IATA: JAN, ICAO: KJAN, FAA LID: JAN) is open 24/7, 365 days a year. However, security checkpoints and ticket counters operate at various times, so it is recommended that passengers check with their specific airline or call the airport's general information line for more details. The airport is located in Rankin County, Mississippi, approximately 6 miles from downtown Jackson, and is the only commercial airport serving the city.
The airport offers a range of amenities for travellers, including free Wi-Fi, an area for small pets, local art displays, and a variety of dining and shopping options. There are also ATM machines located throughout the airport, and a designated smoking area outside the airport entrance.
The history of the airport dates back to the 1930s when the Works Progress Administration and the Civil Conservation Corps invested in improving the airport infrastructure. In 1941, the airfield was named Hawkins Field and became the "Jackson Air Base". The current airport opened in 1963 as the Jackson Municipal Airport, replacing the previous airfield. Over the years, the airport has undergone several name changes and expansions to accommodate increasing aviation demand.
Today, the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport is a bustling hub, serving commercial, private, and military aviation. It is named after Medgar Evers, a prominent civil rights advocate and the Mississippi Field Secretary for the NAACP during the Civil Rights Movement. The airport is committed to providing a smooth and enjoyable travel experience for all its passengers, whether they are travelling for business or leisure.
Lockers at Atlanta Airport: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
It has free Wi-Fi and art displays
The Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (IATA: JAN, ICAO: KJAN, FAA LID: JAN) offers free Wi-Fi to all its patrons. The airport also showcases art displays by local artists, including vibrant murals honouring Mississippi icons like Elvis Presley, William Faulkner, and Fannie Lou Hamer. The art gallery, located in the East Concourse, features works celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the region.
As you step into the airport, you'll find a seamless blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. The airport boasts an L-shaped terminal, with the west concourse offering gates 15 to 19 and the east concourse serving gates 1 to 4. The efficient layout ensures a smooth travel experience, with a streamlined flow from check-in to boarding.
The airport's commitment to showcasing local art extends beyond the galleries. As you wander through the terminal, you'll encounter captivating art installations strategically placed throughout the space. These displays not only add a touch of beauty to the airport but also reflect the vibrant cultural tapestry of Mississippi.
In addition to its artistic offerings, Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport provides a range of convenient amenities. The airport is served by two seated, full-service restaurants, each located in a different terminal. For those on the go, there are several grab-and-go "convenience store-style" options available as well.
Whether you're a business traveller or a leisure seeker, the airport caters to your needs. With its free Wi-Fi, you can stay connected and productive during your layover. The airport also provides an information centre in the terminal, where you can find visitor guides, maps, and other literature to enhance your trip.
Arriving Early: Navigating MCO's Pre-Flight Procedures
You may want to see also
It's named after Medgar Wiley Evers
The Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport is named after the civil rights activist Medgar Wiley Evers. Evers was a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi and across the United States. He was born in Decatur, Mississippi, in 1925 and experienced racism and segregation from a young age. Evers enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 17 and served in World War II, participating in the Normandy landings in 1944.
After the war, Evers returned to Mississippi and attended Alcorn College (now Alcorn State University), where he majored in business administration. He became involved in the civil rights movement in the 1950s, joining the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Evers was the NAACP's first field secretary in Mississippi and played a crucial role in the fight against racial segregation and for the expansion of opportunities for African Americans. He helped establish new local NAACP chapters, organized voter registration drives, and led protests to desegregate public schools, parks, and beaches. Evers also investigated the 1955 lynching of 14-year-old Emmett Till and the 1960 conviction of civil rights activist Clyde Kennard.
In 1962, Evers played a pivotal role in the campaign to admit African American student James Meredith to the University of Mississippi, which had previously denied Evers' own application due to his race. Despite facing regular death threats from white supremacists, Evers persevered in his activism. Unfortunately, on June 12, 1963, Evers was assassinated by a sniper outside his home in Jackson, Mississippi. His murder inspired civil rights protests and served as a turning point in the struggle for equality.
In recognition of Evers' courageous activism and his significant contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, the city of Jackson honoured him in several ways. In 1992, a statue was erected in his honour, and a portion of Delta Drive (part of U.S. Highway 49) was renamed after him. In December 2004, the Jackson City Council further commemorated Evers by renaming the city's airport the Jackson–Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport. The airport also features the Medgar Wiley Evers Pavilion, a dedicated space celebrating Evers' legacy and Mississippi's pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Arriving Early at Oakland Airport: How Early is Too Early?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The airport covers a large area, with two 8,500-foot runways. The airport is located approximately 6 miles from downtown Jackson.
The airport is named after Medgar Wiley Evers, a civil rights advocate and the Mississippi Field Secretary for the NAACP during the Civil Rights Movement.
Construction of the airport began in 1959 and was completed in 1963.
The airport is city-owned and is administered by the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA).
