Harlingen Airport: Size, Significance, And Scope

Harlingen Valley International Airport (HRL) is located in Harlingen, Texas, and is the largest airport in the Rio Grande Valley. The airport has a single terminal building with six to seven gates, depending on the source. The terminal is divided into two sections: the North Concourse and the South Concourse. The airport is served by several major airlines, including Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and American Airlines, and offers direct flights to key hubs such as Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, and Denver. Harlingen Airport provides various parking options, including parking lots and garages within walking distance of the terminal, as well as off-airport parking with shuttle services. The airport also offers car rental services and ground transportation options.

Valley International Airport's location and history

Valley International Airport (HRL) is located at 3002 Heritage Way, Harlingen, Texas, 78550, US. It is the only Southwest Airlines hub in the region, with the longest runway in South Texas. The airport is served by at least five airlines, including Southwest, Delta, American, Sun Country, and United. The airport has seven gates, with various shopping and dining options, including Island Restaurant and Coffee, Jackson Street Café & Bar, The Paradies Shops, Padre Pub, and Pelican Bar.

The airport was established following the closure of the Harlingen Air Force Base in 1962. President John F. Kennedy's 1961 budget proposed closing 70 air bases in the U.S., and the military airfield was handed over to the City of Harlingen. It was then converted for civil use as the Harlingen Industrial Airport. In 1967, following Hurricane Beulah, the original Harlingen civil airport, Harlingen Municipal Airport/Harvey Richards Field, was relocated. The first jet service into Harlingen was operated by Trans-Texas Airways (which later became Texas International Airlines) with Douglas DC-9-10s at the end of 1967.

In 1975, Southwest Airlines began serving Harlingen as an intrastate airline, and by 1986, it was operating ten weekday 737 flights from the airport. Today, Southwest is the largest airline at HRL, accounting for approximately 62% of the airport's airline market share.

In the year ending December 31, 2022, Valley International Airport handled 57,602 aircraft operations, averaging 158 per day. The airport is also a significant air cargo port, ranked in the top 80 airports in the United States, and is served by FedEx and DHL wide-body jet freighters.

Terminal and gate information

Valley International Airport (HRL) in Harlingen, Texas, is served by several major airlines, including Southwest Airlines, Delta, American, Sun Country, United, and Frontier Airlines. The airport has a single terminal building with six or seven gates, making it easy for travellers to navigate and move between gates. The terminal is divided into two sections: the North Concourse and the South Concourse. The North Concourse has gates 1–3, while the South Concourse has gates 4–6. The walking time between gates is minimal, and there is no need for shuttle buses or trains to get between them.

The airport provides several options for dropping off and picking up passengers. If you are dropping off a passenger, you can use the curbside area in front of the terminal, but parking is prohibited, and you are only allowed to stop for a few minutes. If you need more time, you can park in the short-term parking lot, located within walking distance of the terminal. If you are picking up a passenger, you can wait in the cell phone area near the airport entrance until they are ready to be picked up, at which point you can drive to the curbside area. Note that you cannot park or leave your vehicle unattended in the cell phone waiting area.

Harlingen Airport offers various parking options, including parking lots and garages located within walking distance of the terminal. Handicapped parking is available in designated areas, and the airport provides shuttle services to and from the parking areas for those who need assistance. Off-airport parking is also available at competitive rates and offers a convenient alternative to on-airport parking.

The terminal at Harlingen Airport houses several amenities to ensure a comfortable travel experience for passengers. These include ample parking, car rental facilities, and cab services or ride-sharing options for local transportation. The terminal also features restaurants, shops, and free Wi-Fi to keep passengers connected and entertained during their time at the airport.

Airlines and flights

Valley International Airport (HRL) in Harlingen, Texas, is served by at least five airlines, including Southwest Airlines, which has its only hub in the region at Harlingen Airport. Southwest Airlines is the largest airline at HRL, accounting for approximately 62% of the airport's market share. Other airlines that operate out of Harlingen Airport include Delta, American, Sun Country, and United. Southwest began serving Harlingen in 1975 with Boeing 737-200 jets, and today operates Boeing 737-700, 737-800, and 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

Harlingen Airport offers non-stop flights to destinations including Austin, Cancún, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, and Minneapolis/St. Paul. International flights from Harlingen Airport include Cancún, Mexico City, Monterrey, Tampico, and Veracruz. The airport also serves as a large air cargo port, ranked in the top 80 airports in the United States, with services by FedEx and DHL wide-body jet freighters.

In addition to its commercial flight services, Harlingen is also home to Gulf Aviation, a full-service aviation company providing aviation support, aircraft maintenance, management, and air charter throughout South Texas. Gulf Aviation also operates as a full-service, first-class FBO (fixed-base operator) in Harlingen, offering services such as transient hangars, wireless high-speed internet, flight planning rooms, crew cars, and flight training.

Harlingen Airport prides itself on being a convenient and comfortable airport for passengers. The airport boasts the longest runway in South Texas, and passengers can enjoy a variety of shopping and dining options, including restaurants, bars, and shops. The airport is also proud of its short lines and friendly staff, making it a pleasant airport to fly through.

Amenities and services

Valley International Airport (HRL) in Harlingen, Texas, offers a range of amenities and services to ensure a comfortable and convenient travel experience for its passengers. The airport features ample parking options, including short-term, long-term, and economy parking lots and garages located within walking distance of the terminal. Handicapped parking is also available in designated areas, and shuttle services are provided for those who need assistance. For those seeking a more economical option, off-airport parking facilities offer competitive rates and provide a convenient alternative.

HRL also offers a variety of ground transportation options, including car rental services from major providers such as Avis, Budget, and Hertz. Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are easily accessible and are often quicker than taxis, especially during peak hours. The local bus service is also a budget-friendly and reliable option for getting into town, with drop-off points at the main spots in Harlingen.

When it comes to dining and shopping, HRL boasts the most restaurants and shops among airports in the region. Passengers can choose from quick snacks to sit-down meals, catering to various tastes and dietary needs. Dining options include Dunkin' Donuts, Whataburger, the Lone Star Cafe for Tex-Mex cuisine, and the Blue Onion for American fare. The airport also features gift shops, newsstands, and a Bass Pro Shop for outdoor recreation gear.

Business travellers can take advantage of the airport's conference rooms, such as the spacious glass-walled facility on the 3rd floor, offering stunning views of the runways. The Morgan Room, located on the 2nd floor before the security checkpoint, is another option for business meetings. These rooms can be rented during regular business hours at affordable rates, providing flexibility and convenience for business travellers.

Additionally, HRL provides free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, allowing travellers to stay connected and productive during their wait. Indoor Google Maps simplifies the passenger experience by offering an in-depth view of the airport's floor plan and guiding travellers to their gates and nearby amenities with ease. For families with children, the airport features KidsPort, a dedicated space for kids to play and have fun in a safe environment.

Parking and transportation

Valley International Airport (HRL) in Harlingen, Texas, offers a range of parking and transportation options for travellers. The airport is served by at least five airlines, including Southwest, Delta, American, Sun Country, and United.

The airport's parking facilities are supervised by Republic Parking and Standard Parking, ensuring well-maintained and secure parking options for travellers. Both short-term and long-term parking lots are conveniently located within close proximity to the airport. The short-term lot, which includes covered parking, is the nearest to the airport, while the long-term lot is no more than 100 yards away. Short-term parking rates are $1 per every 20 minutes, with a daily maximum of $15. The remote lot offers free parking for the first 30 minutes, followed by $1.50 for each additional hour and a daily maximum of $10. Monthly ($180) and yearly ($1,000) parking rates are also available for frequent travellers. These long-term options require a contract and prepayment at the ticket booth prior to departure, and a parking sticker will be provided to be displayed on the vehicle.

The airport's parking lots are designed with travellers' safety and security in mind. They are equipped with 24-hour security, secure exits, and well-lit areas to ensure the safety of vehicles. Friendly attendants are also on hand to provide assistance and ensure a smooth parking experience.

In addition to parking, Valley International Airport also offers a shuttle service to South Padre Island. The airport is located within a reasonable distance from various destinations, including Texas locales such as South Padre Island and Corpus Christi.

Frequently asked questions