Exploring Sioux Falls Airport: Size And Significance

The Sioux Falls Regional Airport, also known as Joe Foss Field, is the largest airport in South Dakota. It serves South-East South Dakota, South-West Minnesota, and North-West Iowa. The airport was established in 1937 as a civil airport and was leased to the U.S. government in 1942, becoming the Sioux Falls Army Base. The current triangular 3-runway system was developed by the United States Corp of Engineers from 1942 to 1947. The airport offers scheduled passenger service, overnight cargo, complete general aviation services, and a U.S. Customs Port of Entry.

Sioux Falls Regional Airport is the largest airport in South Dakota

The Sioux Falls Regional Airport, also known as Joe Foss Field, is the largest airport in South Dakota. It serves southeastern South Dakota, southwestern Minnesota, and northwestern Iowa. The airport offers scheduled passenger service, overnight cargo, complete general aviation services, and a U.S. Customs Port of Entry. With a rich history dating back to 1937, the airport has become a staple of the community and region. Initially established as a civil airport, it was leased to the U.S. government during World War II, serving as a technical training school for radio operators. After the war, the airport returned to the city of Sioux Falls, and today it boasts a unique triangular 3-runway system designed by the United States Corps of Engineers.

Sioux Falls Regional Airport provides travellers with a range of convenient services, including non-stop flights to various destinations across the United States. From the bright lights of Las Vegas to the picturesque Rocky Mountains and the sunny beaches of Florida, there is a direct flight for everyone. The airport also features an on-campus hotel, AeroStay, offering over 75 rooms conveniently located just a short walk from the terminal.

The airport is named after Brig. Gen. Joseph J. Foss, a former WWII ace pilot, Governor, and founder of the South Dakota Air National Guard (SDANG). Foss's connection to aviation began in 1931 when he experienced his first aeroplane ride over Sioux Falls. Today, the South Dakota 114th Fighter Group, nicknamed the "Lobos", is stationed at the airport, with their F-16C and F-16 "Fighting Falcon" F-16D aircraft frequently seen over the area.

Sioux Falls Regional Airport is committed to providing unparalleled customer service and an enjoyable experience for its customers. With various options for parking, including short-term garage parking and long-term covered spots, the airport ensures a seamless arrival and departure experience. The airport also offers all the standard facilities expected of a small USAF installation, making it a well-equipped and convenient hub for travellers in the region.

It offers scheduled passenger service, cargo, and general aviation services

Sioux Falls Regional Airport, also known as Joe Foss Field, is the largest airport in South Dakota. It offers a wide range of services, including scheduled passenger flights, cargo operations, and general aviation facilities.

Scheduled passenger service is a key offering at Sioux Falls Regional Airport. The airport provides direct flights to various domestic destinations, including major cities such as Las Vegas, Orlando, and Austin. These flights cater to both leisure and business travellers, offering convenience and connectivity to and from the region. The airport also handles arrivals and departures, with real-time flight information available for passengers and those awaiting their arrival.

Cargo operations are another important aspect of the airport's services. Sioux Falls Regional Airport offers overnight cargo services, facilitating the efficient transportation of goods and ensuring timely deliveries. This service is particularly beneficial for businesses and individuals who rely on prompt and reliable cargo operations.

General aviation services are also a significant part of the airport's operations. General aviation encompasses a range of private and non-commercial flights, including personal travel, corporate flights, and aviation enthusiasts. The airport provides the necessary infrastructure and support for these general aviation activities, including parking options and facilities.

Additionally, the airport serves as a base for the South Dakota Air National Guard, further emphasising its role in aviation services beyond commercial operations. The Air National Guard's 114th Fighter Group, nicknamed the "Lobos," operates F-16C and F-16 "Fighting Falcon" F-16D aircraft, which are a frequent sight in the skies above Sioux Falls.

Sioux Falls Regional Airport prides itself on providing unparalleled customer service and a positive FSD experience. With a range of amenities, including an on-site hotel, dining options, and convenient parking, the airport caters to the diverse needs of travellers and ensures a seamless experience.

The airport was established in 1937 and leased to the US government in 1942

The Sioux Falls Regional Airport, also known as Joe Foss Field, was established in 1937 as a civil airport. It was built on its present site as an airfield, and in 1939, the Sioux Falls Municipal Airport opened, marking a significant milestone in the city's history.

In 1942, the city leased the airport and the surrounding property to the US government, establishing the Sioux Falls Army Air Field. This move played a crucial role in the nation's military efforts during World War II. The primary function of the base was to train radio operators, and between 1942 and 1945, approximately 40,000 radio operators received their training at this facility. The base also served as a logistical supply centre during the war.

The establishment of the Sioux Falls Army Air Field was part of a broader national effort to bolster military capabilities following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. The Sioux City Army Air Base, located nearby, began construction in March 1942 and opened just a few months later in July. This base became a major training centre for crew members of B-24 Liberators and B-17 Flying Fortresses.

After World War II ended, the airport and the surrounding land were returned to the City of Sioux Falls in 1946. The South Dakota Air National Guard was then established under the leadership of Joe Foss, for whom the airport and its Air National Guard Station are named. Joe Foss was a notable aviator and native of Sioux Falls who went on to serve as the 20th Governor of South Dakota from 1955 to 1959.

It's also known as Joe Foss Field, honouring a WWII ace pilot

Sioux Falls Regional Airport, also known as Joe Foss Field, is named after Joseph Jacob Foss, a United States Marine Corps Major and leading Marine fighter ace in World War II. Born in 1915 on a farm near Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Foss was inspired to become a pilot at the age of 12 when he saw Charles Lindbergh on tour with his aircraft, the Spirit of St. Louis. At the age of 16, he took his first aircraft ride and later joined the military, earning his wings at 26.

Foss's first combat assignment was in Guadalcanal, where he became internationally famous for his aerial marksmanship with the "Cactus Air Force" during the long and bloody combat for Henderson Field. In three months of sustained combat, his flight group, known as "Foss's Flying Circus", shot down 72 Japanese aircraft, with 26 kills credited to Foss himself. This achievement led to him becoming America's first "ace-of-aces" in World War II and earned him the Medal of Honor, which was presented to him by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

After receiving his Medal of Honor, Foss returned to the US to promote the war effort, selling war bonds and inspiring workers and military recruits. He contracted malaria in 1944, which forced him to leave the Pacific theatre. In 1945, he left the military and returned to South Dakota, where he started an aviation business and bought a car dealership with a friend. He also helped develop the South Dakota Air National Guard and began a career in politics, serving as the 20th Governor of South Dakota from 1955 to 1959.

In addition to his military and political achievements, Foss was also a television broadcaster and hosted the ABC network program "The American Sportsman". He was the first commissioner of the American Football League and later served as the president of the National Rifle Association. Foss's contributions to aviation and American culture have been widely recognized, with numerous dedications and inductions into halls of fame.

The airport provides direct flights to destinations like Las Vegas and Florida

Sioux Falls Regional Airport is a mid-sized airport in the United States. It provides non-stop flights to 14 destinations across the country, including Las Vegas and Florida.

For those looking to try their luck in Vegas, the airport offers direct flights to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). These flights are available with Allegiant Air, which operates four non-stop flights to this destination per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Frontier Airlines also offers connecting flights to Harry Reid International Airport, with 19 flights per week.

Sioux Falls Regional Airport also provides direct flights to several destinations in Florida. These include St. Petersburg, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Punta Gorda. Flights to Fort Lauderdale are serviced by an Airbus A320 and take approximately 3 hours and 32 minutes.

In addition to these direct destinations, the airport offers non-stop flights to other popular travel spots in the United States. These include Chicago, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and St. Paul. With a range of direct flights available, travellers can conveniently explore various parts of the country without the hassle of layovers.

Frequently asked questions