Dayton Airport: Size, Scale, And Significance

The James M. Cox Dayton International Airport is a large airport, covering 4,200 to 4,500 acres (17 km2) and featuring 4.7 to 5.0 miles (8.0 km) of runway. The airport is served by six to nine passenger airlines and offers sixteen to nineteen non-stop destinations. Dayton International Airport has a significant economic impact on the regional economy, contributing an estimated $1 billion.

Dayton International Airport covers 4,200 acres (or 4,500 acres)

The James M. Cox Dayton International Airport covers a vast area of 4,200 acres, or approximately 17 square kilometres. This figure has also been reported as 4,500 acres. The airport has a substantial 5-mile (8 km) runway, with an additional 9,500-foot concrete runway constructed in the 1960s. Dayton International Airport is a significant transport hub, served by six to nine passenger airlines and offering 16 to 19 non-stop destinations. The airport has an impressive $1 billion economic impact on the regional economy, with approximately 70 daily arriving and departing flights from 17 active airline gates.

Dayton International Airport has undergone several improvements and expansions over the years. In 2011, a new air traffic control tower was completed, standing at 254 feet tall with a 12,000-square-foot base building. The airport also boasts a three-level parking garage with around 1,400 public parking spaces and an on-site rental car service. The "Airport Master Plan" and "Airport Layout Plan" were updated in 2008, outlining the airport's continued growth and development.

The airport offers a range of economical parking options, including the Economy Lot with over 2,000 spaces available at a daily flat rate of $7, and the Long-Term Lot located behind the garage, offering convenient access to the terminal for $14 per day. The Short-Term Park and Walk Lot is ideal for short visits, just a short walk from the terminal, and charges $16 per day. For those seeking covered parking, the garage offers reserved parking spaces for $22 per day on the FlyDayton.com website.

Dayton International Airport is committed to continuous improvement and transformation. In 2012, a Terminal Planning Study was conducted, which included updates to restrooms, flooring, and wayfinding signage. The airport also has plans for rehabilitating the general aviation centre apron, enhancing airfield signage, and replacing certain airfield pavement to ensure the best possible experience for travellers.

It has 5 miles (or 4.7 miles) of runway

The James M. Cox Dayton International Airport in Ohio has a rich history and has grown to become one of the largest airports in the state. The airport covers 4,200 acres (17 km2) and boasts an impressive 5 miles (or 4.7 miles when rounded off) of runway. This extensive runway system has been developed over several decades, with continuous improvements and expansions to accommodate the growing aviation industry.

The airport's origins can be traced back to 1928 when the site was transformed into a private airport. Initially, it featured three Macadam-surfaced runways, each approximately 75' wide and 500' long. Over time, these runways were upgraded and extended, with new runways added to enhance the airport's capabilities. By 1936, when the airfield officially opened as the "Dayton Municipal Airport," it featured three 3,600' concrete runways, marking a significant upgrade from its early beginnings.

During World War II, the airport played a strategic role, leading to further infrastructure growth. In 1943, a new parallel concrete "heavy-duty runway," Runway 6-24L, was installed, bringing the total number of runways to five. This expansion solidified the airport's importance during the war, as it became the largest commercial airport in Ohio in 1947.

The airport continued to evolve in the following decades, with the construction of new runways and the extension of existing ones. In the 1960s, a significant transformation occurred with the addition of a new 9,500' long concrete runway, further increasing the overall runway length. This runway, identified as RWY 6L/24R, became a pivotal addition to the airport's infrastructure.

Today, the airport's runways cater to a variety of aircraft, including large cargo planes and passenger jets. With the ongoing expansion plans, including the proposed construction of a third parallel runway, the total runway length is expected to increase even further, accommodating the growing aviation demands in the Miami Valley area.

The airport is served by 6 (or 9) airlines

Dayton International Airport (IATA: DAY, ICAO: KDAY, FAA LID: DAY) is served by six passenger airlines and has sixteen non-stop domestic destinations. The airport covers 4,200 acres (17 km2) and has 5.0 miles (8.0 km) of runway.

The airport is officially named James M. Cox Dayton International Airport and is located 10 miles north of downtown Dayton, in Montgomery County, Ohio, United States. It is the third busiest and third-largest airport in Ohio. The airport is not contiguous with the rest of the city, situated in an exclave.

Dayton International has seen several airlines come and go over the years. In 2012, Southwest Airlines began serving Dayton with flights to Denver International Airport, increasing passenger traffic by at least 15%. However, in 2015, Southwest reduced its flights from Dayton, ending nonstop flights to Baltimore, Denver, Orlando, and Tampa. The airline eventually ceased operations at Dayton in 2017, moving its services to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

In 2015, Allegiant Air was announced as a new addition to the airport, offering twice-weekly flights to Orlando and Tampa. This filled the gap left by Southwest's reduction in Florida flights, and Allegiant Air became the only low-cost fare carrier at the airport.

Other airlines that have had a presence at Dayton International Airport include Piedmont Airlines, US Airways, Air Canada Express, and PSA Airlines, which had its headquarters at the airport.

It has 16 (or 19) non-stop destinations

Dayton International Airport, also known as James M. Cox International Airport, is a medium-sized airport with a total area of 4,200 acres (17 km2) and 5 miles (8 km) of runway. The airport currently offers 16 non-stop destinations, although one source suggests there are 19 non-stop destinations, with some requiring a stopover.

The airport has seen a number of airlines come and go over the years, with Southwest Airlines previously offering nonstop flights to Baltimore, Denver, Orlando, and Tampa, before ending services in 2016. Allegiant Air filled the gap left by Southwest, offering low-cost fares and direct flights to Orlando and Tampa. However, American Airlines remains the only airline offering direct flights to Charlotte and Philadelphia, while United Airlines provides non-stop services to Chicago and Denver. Delta also offers direct flights to Atlanta and New York City.

In addition to these, Dayton International Airport provides non-stop services to several other destinations, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, New York City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Punta Gorda, Tampa, and Washington. While some sources list Denver as a non-stop destination, it is worth noting that Southwest Airlines discontinued this route in 2016.

Dayton International Airport offers a range of economical parking options to suit every traveller's needs. The Economy Lot, with over 2,000 spaces, offers great rates, while the Short Term Park and Walk Lot is conveniently located next to the terminal for quick access.

The airport has a $1 billion economic impact on the regional economy

The Dayton International Airport, located in Montgomery County, Ohio, United States, has an estimated $1 billion economic impact on the regional economy. The airport, which is the third busiest and third largest in Ohio, covers 4,200 acres (17 km2) and has 5.0 miles (8.0 km) of runway. It is served by six passenger airlines and offers sixteen non-stop destinations, including international flights to Toronto, Canada, by Air Canada.

The airport provides approximately 4,000 jobs and generates an economic impact of more than $600 million each year, according to a 1998 study. The airport also strives to be sensitive to the needs of the local community and offers convenient and economical parking options for travellers. For example, the Economy Lot offers over 2,000 spaces at a daily flat rate of $7, while the covered Garage offers reserved parking for $22 per day.

In addition to its economic impact, the airport has a rich history dating back to 1928 when it was established by local businessmen inspired by the Wright brothers' success in powered flight. The airport has undergone various improvements over the years, including the construction of a new air traffic control tower in 2011, a multi-level parking garage in 2010, and the completion of an "Airport Master Plan" and "Airport Layout Plan" Update in 2008 to outline its continued growth.

The airport has also faced challenges, such as a decline in passenger traffic and aircraft departures since 2014 due to the reduction in flights by Southwest Airlines. Despite these setbacks, the airport remains a crucial gateway for air travel into and from the Dayton region, with strategic initiatives in place to ensure its continued growth and development.

Frequently asked questions