Ruth Haines
Little Rock Airport, officially known as the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, is Arkansas's largest commercial airport. Covering 2,000 acres, it is considered a joint civil-military airport and is home to six airlines, with dozens of daily departures and non-stop service to 14 destinations. The airport is self-supporting and generates over $1.2 billion in annual economic benefit.
What You'll Learn
Little Rock Airport's history
Little Rock's airport, known as the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, has a rich history. The airport is located on the east side of Little Rock, Arkansas, and is the state's largest commercial airport. It was originally named Adams Field, after Captain George Geyer Adams of the Arkansas National Guard, who was killed in the line of duty in 1937.
The airport's history can be traced back to 1931 when American Airlines first landed at Adams Field, becoming the first airline to serve Little Rock. During World War II, the airfield was used by the United States Army Air Forces Third Air Force for antisubmarine patrols and training. In 1972, the airport opened its current 12-gate terminal, with a renovation plan approved in 2008 to expand it to 16 gates over 15 years.
The airport has undergone several name changes throughout its history. On March 20, 2012, the municipal airport commission voted to rename it the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, honouring Arkansas native and former Governor and President Bill Clinton, and his wife, former United States Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. The name Adams Field is still used when referring to the airport's runways and air traffic and remains the airport's official designator.
The airport covers 2,000 acres at an elevation of 266 feet above mean sea level. It is a joint civil-military airport, operated by the Little Rock Municipal Airport Commission. In the year ending February 28, 2023, the airport recorded 83,217 aircraft operations, averaging 228 per day. The airport serves more than 50 flights daily, with nonstop service to 14 cities, although it does not have direct international passenger flights.
Little Rock is also home to the North Little Rock Regional Airport, which is used extensively by the business community and offers services such as flight instruction, airplane rentals, scenic flights, aircraft sales, fuel, and maintenance.
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The airport's runways
The Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, formerly Little Rock National Airport, is a joint civil-military airport on the east side of Little Rock, Arkansas. It is the largest commercial airport in the state, serving more than 2 million passengers annually.
The airport covers 2,000 acres (809 ha) and has a total of three concrete runways. The majority of commercial traffic arrives and departs on 4L22R and 4R22L, which measure 8,273 by 150 feet (2,522 x 46 m) and 8,251 by 150 feet (2,515 x 46 m), respectively. Runway 18/36, measuring 6,224 by 150 feet (1,897 x 46 m), is primarily used for light general aviation aircraft. The airport also has one concrete helipad, which is 50 by 50 feet (15 x 15 m).
The airport has a long history, dating back to 1917 when it was known as the Little Rock Intermediate Air Depot and was operated by the U.S. Army Signal Corps. It expanded in 1926 to support the growing needs of the 154th Observation Squadron of the Arkansas National Guard and again in 1930 when the citizens of Little Rock purchased the airfield. The airport received significant runway improvements in 1953, and the first Instrument Landing System (ILS) was installed in 1954, allowing pilots to navigate through clouds and bad weather.
Today, the airport is home to a variety of aviation businesses, including flight instruction, airplane rentals, scenic flights, aircraft sales, fuel, maintenance, and manufacturing facilities. It is also a base for the military, with a significant presence of C-130 transport planes from the nearby Little Rock Air Force Base.
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Passenger numbers
Little Rock Airport, also known as Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, is Arkansas's largest commercial service airport. It is located just a few miles from downtown Little Rock and is the 79th largest commercial service airport in the US. The airport served nearly two million passengers annually as of 2024, with an average of 100 departing flights per day. This number has been steadily increasing over the years, making it a popular choice for travellers in the region.
The airport has two terminals, one for domestic and one for international departures. Terminal A, the domestic terminal, is divided into two concourses, A and B, with 9 and 5 gates, respectively. Terminal B, the international terminal, has 3 gates. The airport offers dozens of daily departures and nonstop service to 14 destinations, including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Dallas, Washington D.C., Austin, Houston, and Atlanta.
In terms of passenger numbers, Little Rock Airport handles about 2.6 million passengers annually, including those arriving and departing. This makes it a significant hub for air transportation in Arkansas, attracting passengers from surrounding states as well. The airport is served by several major airlines, including Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest, and United.
Little Rock Airport has an average delay time of 30 minutes for departing flights, which can vary depending on the time of day and weather conditions. Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure time to allow for security checks and to review TSA guidelines for prohibited items. The airport provides real-time updates on flight departures and arrivals on its website and through other digital platforms.
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Accidents and incidents
Little Rock Airport, officially known as the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, has been the site of several aviation incidents and accidents over the years. Here is a detailed overview of some of these incidents:
Eastman Kodak Gulfstream II Crash (1990)
On January 19, 1990, an Eastman Kodak Grumman Gulfstream II aircraft crashed during its final approach to Little Rock National Airport. All seven people on board were killed in the accident, which was attributed to a combination of unfavourable weather conditions and pilot error.
American Airlines Flight 1420 Crash (1999)
On June 1, 1999, American Airlines Flight 1420, a McDonnell Douglas MD-82 with 145 passengers and crew, attempted to land at Little Rock Airport during a severe thunderstorm. The aircraft overshot the runway, crashing through a fence and down a rock embankment into a flood plain. This accident resulted in the deaths of 10 passengers and the captain.
Beechcraft Super King Air Crash (2023)
On February 22, 2023, a Beechcraft Super King Air took off from Little Rock Airport during gusty winds and heavy rain. Unfortunately, the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all five people on board. The passengers were members of an environmental firm, CTEH, who were on their way to investigate an explosion at a metal factory in Bedford, Ohio.
Cessna Citation Cj4 Incident (2017)
In November 2017, a small aircraft, a Cessna Citation Cj4, experienced brake failure while landing overnight at Little Rock Airport. The pilot, Greg Hatcher of Little Rock, managed to bring the aircraft to a stop by steering it towards a grassy area at the end of the runway. Thankfully, neither Hatcher nor the single passenger on board were injured in the incident.
Private Airplane Crash (202?)
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The airport's economic impact
The economic impact of an airport is often measured in terms of its contribution to the local, regional, and national economy. The Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, also known as Little Rock Airport, has a significant economic impact on the state of Arkansas and the surrounding areas.
Firstly, the airport is a major employer in the region. With nearly 1,600 people working at the Dassault Aircraft Services (DAS) facility alone, the airport provides a substantial number of direct jobs. In addition, the presence of the airport creates indirect employment opportunities in associated industries such as hospitality, transportation, and tourism. The total employment impact of the airport is estimated to be in the thousands, contributing significantly to the local economy.
Secondly, Little Rock Airport generates economic output through various on-airport business activities. The DAS facility, for example, is engaged in the completion, inspection, maintenance, modification, and repair of Falcon jets. This brings revenue and foreign investment into the state. Additionally, the airport's commercial operations, including passenger and cargo services, contribute to its economic output. With nearly two million passengers annually and dozens of daily departures, the airport facilitates commercial activity and stimulates the local economy.
The airport also has economic impacts that are more indirect. For example, it serves as a hub for the transportation needs of businesses and residents in Arkansas. The airport's connectivity and accessibility enhance the state's attractiveness for investment and economic development. This, in turn, can lead to increased tax revenues for the government, which can be reinvested into the community. Furthermore, the airport's presence may encourage the establishment of new businesses and industries in the region, creating a cycle of economic growth and development.
Finally, the airport's economic impact extends beyond just the state of Arkansas. As a joint civil-military airport, it serves the Little Rock Air Force Base, supporting the nation's defence and security efforts. This dual role ensures a consistent level of activity and provides additional economic stability to the region. Overall, the Little Rock Airport's economic impact is far-reaching, influencing not only the local community but also the broader regional and national economy. Its role as a transportation hub, employer, and generator of economic output contributes to the prosperity and development of Arkansas and the surrounding areas.
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Frequently asked questions
Little Rock Airport, also known as Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, covers 2,000 acres (809 ha) at an elevation of 266 feet (81 m) above sea level.
Little Rock Airport has three concrete runways and one concrete helipad.
Little Rock Airport is Arkansas's largest airport and served more than 2.1 million passengers between March 2009 and February 2010.
The airport generates more than $1.2 billion in annual economic benefit and has generated more than $45 million in taxes for the state of Arkansas, the city of Little Rock, and Pulaski County over a four-year period.
